Mann Assessments & Psychotherapy Inc.

Practice Policies

This policy is mandatory for all clients receiving services at our practice. We are committed to providing the highest quality of care and support, and to achieve this, it is imperative that you comply with our established policies. These guidelines are non-negotiable and serve to ensure effective communication and prevent any misunderstandings. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with these policies, as they reflect our unwavering dedication to your well-being and the efficient operation of our practice. Thank you for choosing Mann Assessments & Psychotherapy to support you on your mental health journey.

 Please be advised that certain providers listed on our website and operating within our facility function as independent subcontractors. They are not employees of Mann Assessments & Psychotherapy Inc. While we collaborate to ensure the delivery of high-quality care, these subcontractors maintain their own independent practices and bear full responsibility for their services and actions. Mann Assessments & Psychotherapy Inc. shall not be held liable for any actions, services, or outcomes resulting from the practices of these independent providers. We encourage clients to communicate any questions or concerns regarding the services provided by these subcontractors directly with them. Thank you for your understanding.

APPOINTMENTS:

New Patient Paperwork: Ensure that the New Patient paperwork is completed at least 72 hours before your scheduled appointment. If the paperwork is not submitted within this timeframe, it will be

necessary to reschedule the appointment.

Appointment Reminders: We provide appointment reminders via email or phone as a courtesy; however, it is your responsibility to keep track of your appointments and inform us of any changes that need to be made.

Appointment Duration: The standard duration for psychotherapy sessions is 60 minutes; however, you have the option to determine the length of your sessions. Should you wish to modify the standard duration, it is essential to discuss this with your therapist in advance to allow for appropriate scheduling.

Over The Phone Appointments: Face-to-face sessions are strongly preferred over phone sessions. However, if you are out of town, unwell, or require additional support, phone sessions will be provided without hesitation.

Cancelation & Rescheduling: It is imperative that you cancel or reschedule your appointment a minimum of 24 hours in advance. If you fail to attend your appointment without prior notice (a "no-show"), you will be charged a fee of $350. Additionally, any cancellations or rescheduling made less than 24 hours in advance will incur a fee of $350. This policy is in place because we reserve that time exclusively for you. Please be aware that if you arrive late for your session, you may lose part of your scheduled time.

Provider Cancelations: Our providers may need to cancel or reschedule appointments due to unforeseen circumstances, such as being subpoenaed or attending mandatory meetings at other affiliated facilities. While these situations are rare, we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

PAYMENTS:

Co-Pays: You are required to pay your co-pay at the time of your appointment. Ensure you bring the appropriate payment method to cover the amount specified by your insurance provider. If you are uncertain about your co-pay amount, it is your responsibility to verify it with your insurance company prior to your visit.

Deductibles: It is your obligation to know your deductible status. If you have not met your deductible, you must pay the full fee for services during your appointment. To avoid any unexpected charges, confirm your deductible with your insurance before arriving.

Outstanding Balances: You will be informed of any outstanding balances on your account prior to your next appointment. It is mandatory to settle any outstanding balances before scheduling additional appointments. Should you have any questions about your balance, you must contact our office promptly.

Payment Methods: We accept several payment methods, including credit/debit cards, checks, and cash. Failure to make your payment in full will result in a disruption of your care services.

Returned Checks: A service charge of $15.00 will be assessed for any returned checks. This policy is necessary for us to address payment issues efficiently.

Insurance Verification: You are responsible for verifying your insurance benefits before your appointment. Contact your insurance provider to fully understand your coverage and any potential out-of-pocket costs.

PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT CONSULTATION: All consultations are subject to an Initial Consultation, a non-refundable fee of $350.00. If you proceed with a full psychological evaluation, the consultation fee will count towards the fee of the full psychological evaluation.

IMMIGRATION EVALUATION REPORTS: All reports generated as part of our services, including psychological assessments and evaluations, are strictly non-refundable. This policy is in place due to the comprehensive nature of the work involved, including data collection, analysis, and the formulation of findings and recommendations. Once a report is completed and delivered, the resources and time spent cannot be recouped, thus ensuring the integrity and sustainability of our practice. We encourage clients to discuss any questions or concerns regarding our reports during the consultation process to ensure clarity and understanding before proceeding.

FORENSIC EVALUATIONS, COURT-MANDATED TREATMENT, AND EXPERT TESTIMONY: If you need a forensic or court-mandated evaluation or treatment, please contact our office immediately. We will promptly send you a Fee Schedule and Retainer Agreement upon request.

TELEPHONE ACCESSIBILITY: In the event of an emergency, you must call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room without delay. If you need to reach your mental health provider between sessions, contact our office at 559-216-0125 and speak with the staff. While they may not always be available by text or phone during business hours, you will receive a callback within one business day. Please note that we aim to respond promptly, but immediate replies are not guaranteed. It is crucial that you do not use these methods to discuss therapeutic content or seek assistance in emergencies.

MINORS: If you are a minor, your parents have a legal right to access specific information about your therapy. Your therapist will clearly communicate with you and your parents about what information they are entitled to receive based on your age while also ensuring that certain issues remain confidential.

SOCIAL MEDIA AND TELECOMMUNICATION: Due to the importance of your confidentiality and the importance of minimizing dual relationships, Providers & Staff do not accept friend or contact requests from current or former clients on any social networking site (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.). Mann Assessments & Psychotherapy believes that adding clients as friends or contacts on these sites can compromise your confidentiality and your respective privacy. It may also blur the boundariesof our therapeutic relationship.

RECORDING OF SESSIONS: It is important to note that California follows a “two-party consent” law, also known as an all-party consent law. This means that the consent of all individuals participating in a conversation is required before it can be legally recorded. Clients have the right to record their therapy sessions, provided they secure prior consent from their therapist. This consent must be established through a signed agreement between the client and the therapist. Clients are required to submit their requests to record a session at least 48 hours before the scheduled appointment. Requests can be made by calling our office or during a prior session.

Consent from Therapist: The therapist will evaluate the request and provide consent only if the recording is appropriate for the therapeutic context. Clients will be clearly informed of any conditions that apply to the recording.

Confidentiality and Use: Clients must agree that recordings are for personal use only and will not be shared with others without the therapist’s explicit consent. Clients should continue to respect the confidentiality of any other individuals who may participate in the session.

Technical Measures: Clients are required to ensure that their recording devices do not interfere with the session or the therapy process. The therapist may specify a particular device or method for recording, and compliance with this request is expected.

Non-Compliance: Recording a session without prior consent from the therapist is strictly prohibited. Such an action will prompt an immediate review of the therapeutic relationship and may lead to the termination of services.

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION: We cannot guarantee the confidentiality of any communication conducted through electronic media, including text messages. If you choose to communicate via email or text regarding scheduling or cancellations, we will accommodate your preference. However, be aware that while we strive to respond promptly, we do not guarantee immediate replies. It is essential that you DO NOT USE these methods to discuss therapeutic content or seek assistance in emergencies.

Under the California Telemedicine Act of 1996, all services provided through electronic means—including telephone communication, the Internet, facsimile machines, and email—are classified as telemedicine. This Act clearly defines telemedicine as the use of information technology to deliver medical services and information across different locations.

If you and your therapist decide to use information technology for part or all of your treatment, it’s important to understand the following:

1. You have the right to withhold or withdraw your consent at any time. Doing so will not affect your rights to future care or treatment, nor will it jeopardize any program benefits you would typically receive.

2. All existing confidentiality protections still apply.

3. You are guaranteed access to all medical information shared during a telemedicine consultation, and you can obtain copies of this information for a reasonable fee.

4. Your identifiable images or information from the telemedicine interaction will not be shared with researchers or other entities without your consent.

5. There are potential risks, consequences, and benefits to using telemedicine. Benefits may include improved communication, convenient access to current information, consultations, support, reduced costs, enhanced quality of care, changes in practice conditions, better access to therapy, improved continuity of care, and less time lost to travel or work.

Effective therapy often requires the therapist to gather a variety of observations, information, and experiences about the client during sessions. Therapists may make clinical assessments, diagnoses, and interventions based not only on verbal and auditory communication, written reports, and third-party consultations but also from direct visual and olfactory observations. When utilizing information technology in therapy, potential risks include the therapist's inability to make important visual and olfactory observations. This might include your physical condition (like deformities), apparent height and weight, body type, adherence to social or cultural attractiveness standards, gait, motor coordination, posture, work speed, notable mannerisms, gestures, physical or medical issues (such as bruises or injuries), grooming and hygiene (including appropriate dress), eye contact, sex, age, ethnicity, facial and body language, and the congruence between your words and nonverbal expressions. As a result, potential consequences may include the therapist not having access to important information that you may overlook or not realize is significant enough to share verbally.

TERMINATION: Our therapeutic relationship is anchored in trust, respect, and clear communication. While we are committed to providing a supportive environment, there are situations where therapy may need to be terminated. This policy clearly outlines the steps and guidelines for ending therapy, whether initiated by the client or the psychologist.

1. Client-Initiated Termination: Clients have the unequivocal right to terminate therapy at any time. If you choose to end our sessions, it is essential to communicate this decision directly. We strongly recommend scheduling a final session to reflect on your experiences, progress, and any prospective steps moving forward. Clients who miss a scheduled appointment without prior notice (no-show) may incur a fee as specified in our appointment policy.

2. Psychologist-Initiated Termination: The psychologist reserves the right to terminate therapy if it is deemed detrimental to the client’s well-being or if the client consistently fails to engage in the therapeutic process. Any termination initiated by the psychologist will be communicated in writing, clearly outlining the reasons for the termination and offering potential referrals for alternative care.

3. Transfer of Care: If therapy is terminated, whether by the client or psychologist, an organized transfer of care to another professional can and will be arranged as necessary. The psychologist will actively assist in providing referrals to ensure your continuity of care.

4. Fees and Payment: Clients are accountable for paying all attended sessions, as well as any fees for missed appointments. Please refer to our appointment policy for detailed information regarding cancellation or no-show fees.

5. Final Considerations: Both parties are urged to provide feedback during the termination process to enhance future therapeutic practices. Open communication is imperative. We encourage both the client and psychologist to discuss any concerns or questions regarding the termination process candidly.

If you have any questions about this termination policy, do not hesitate to ask. Your well-being is our top priority, and we are committed to supporting you through this process.