Policies & client agreement

The therapy process

Therapy is a collaborative process.

• Benefits may include improved mood, coping skills, relationships, and more.
• Risks may include a temporary increase in distress while processing difficult material.
• Sessions are typically 53 minutes. How often we meet will be discussed together.
• Your therapist may end therapy at any time. Clients agree to give at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations.

Cancellation policy

To support consistent attendance and respect the time reserved for each client, we use Jane App to send automated call and/or text message reminders for scheduled sessions. Please confirm that you received your reminders, and tell the office as soon as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule.

• Late cancellation: Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice before the appointment time are late cancellations and incur a $10 fee.
• No call / no show: Missing an appointment without any prior notice incurs a $25 fee.
• These fees are the client's responsibility and are not covered by insurance.
• All clients, regardless of insurance status, must have a debit or credit card on file in case a fee applies.
• Repeated or habitual no-shows or late cancellations may lead to loss of your preferred time slot and/or discharge from care, so we can keep appointments available for other clients.

Billing & financial agreement

• Payment: Payment is due at the time of service, in full at each session, unless we agree otherwise or you have insurance coverage that requires another arrangement. Insurance is filed when applicable.
• Insurance: We are in-network with most providers (see Insurance & Fees). You are responsible for any copays, deductibles, and non-covered services.
• Self-pay rate: $75 per session.
• Records: You may request a copy of your records. A reasonable fee may apply.

Refund & dispute policy

If you believe a charge is incorrect, please contact us first by phone at 231-220-4049 or by email at mattthompson.therapy@gmail.com so we can review it with you and correct any error. Please include the date of the session and the amount charged. We will review billing questions promptly. Late cancellation and no-show fees are described above. Charges made in error will be corrected or refunded to the original payment method.

Confidentiality & HIPAA

Discussions between a therapist and a client are confidential, and confidentiality is protected by law. The limits of confidentiality include:

• Risk of harm to self or others
• Suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or vulnerable adult (required reporting)
• A court order or subpoena
• Emergency situations

Contacting us

When we are unavailable, the phone is answered by voicemail. We make every effort to return calls within 24 hours, except on weekends and holidays.

Emergencies or crises

We check email and voicemail and will return your call at the earliest opportunity. If you cannot reach us, or if you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately or go to a hospital emergency room. You can also reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Your safety and well-being are our primary concern.

Promotions

The free 15-minute consultation is our only current offer and has no conditions attached. If we run any other promotion, its terms will be posted here.