Office information.  Office hours are by appointment only.  Individual sessions last 1 hour, unless otherwise arranged.  Longer sessions, arranged in advance, are billed on a pro-rated basis.  Group sessions last 90 minutes.  Sessions must begin and end promptly.  Although you are welcome to bring a drink, please do not bring food into the waiting room or office.  No smoking, please.

Informed consent to therapy.  If you choose to engage in therapy with me, you will be required to sign a Services Agreement which outlines my professional services, business policies, and procedures concerning compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and in which you will acknowledge that you have received a copy of my Notice of Privacy Policy.

Cancellations.  If you must cancel an appointment for any reason,please do so at least 24 hours in advance, or you will be charged your full fee for the session.  To cancel an appointment, simply leave a message on my voice mail (704-458-0433).

Fees. The fee for a 90-minute initial consultation is $195.The fee for a 1-hour individual session is $130; the fee for a 90-minute group session is $60. Payment in full (cash or check) is due at the time of the session.  I do not bill insurance companies directly, but I will provide you with a receipt that contains all the information you should need to file a claim. 

Telephone consultation.  You are strongly encouraged to bring issues and concerns to your scheduled session, where they may be most effectively addressed.  If telephone consultation is required in the context of an urgent situation or because you are out of town or ill, it will be billed at the usual rate for psychotherapy.  There will be no charge for brief calls, such as cancellations or changes in appointment time.  Home visits are available, with travel time billed on a prorated basis, at the hourly rate for therapy.  

Emergencies.  If you need to reach me, simply leave a message on my voice mail.  I check these messages several times daily and once each evening.  Please note in your message if it is urgent that I return your call promptly.  If you feel you cannot safely wait for your call to be returned, call the CMC Behavioral Health Center’s Psychiatric Emergency Department at 704-358-2800.  Identify yourself as my client and follow their instructions until I can be reached.  Please be aware that I do not offer 24-hour emergency care.  If you need emergency care in the evenings, on weekends, or when I am out of town, you will need to call the above number or go to the nearest emergency room.

Outside contact.  It is possible that we will occasionally see each other at social events, the grocery store, etc.  If this occurs, we may naturally exchange greetings as acquaintances, but I will not seek to engage you in further conversation or introduce you to anyone who might be with me.  (You are free to introduce yourself, however, if you wish.)  In this way, we will protect the privacy of our relationship.

Questions and concerns.  Please remember that psychotherapy is a collaborative effort requiring an alliance between client and psychologist.  When you bring your concerns—about room temperature, policies, whatever—to my attention, not only will you benefit, but other clients may as well.