Policies

STRUCTURE OF THERAPY

  • Intake Phase – During the first session, therapeutic process, structure, policies and procedures will be discussed. We will also explore your experiences surrounding the presenting problem(s). This session is 90 minutes long. The first session will always take place in person.
  • Assessment Phase – The initial evaluation may last 1-2 sessions.  During this assessment phase, I will be getting to know you.  I will ask questions to gain an understanding of your worldview, strengths, concerns, needs, relationship dynamics, etc.  During this relationship-building process, I will be gathering a lot of information to aid in the therapeutic approach best suited for your needs and goals.  If it is determined that I am not the best fit for your therapeutic needs, I will provide referrals for more appropriate treatment. After the first 90-minute session, the other sessions are 53 minutes long.
  • Telehealth– Telehealth services are available if the therapist determines it is appropriate. A separate consent will need to be signed.
  • Goal Development/Treatment Planning – After gathering background information, we will collaborative identify your therapeutic goals.
  • Intervention Phase – This phase occurs anywhere from session two until graduation/discharge/termination. Each client must actively participate in therapy sessions, utilize solutions discussed, and complete assignments between sessions (if applicable). Progress will be reviewed and goals adjusted as needed.
  • Graduation/Discharge/Termination – As you progress and get closer to completing goals, we will collaboratively discuss a transition plan for graduation/discharge/termination.
  • Minors – For individuals under the age of 18, all sessions must be held in person. The adult accompanying the minor must remain in the waiting room and cannot leave the building during the session.
  • Therapies – EMDR and Sand Tray Therapy will not be conducted virtually.

LENGTH OF THERAPY: Therapy sessions are typically weekly or biweekly for 50 – 53 minutes depending upon the nature of the presenting challenges. It is difficult to initially predict how many sessions will be needed. We will collaboratively discuss from session to session what the next steps are and how often therapy sessions will occur.

APPOINTMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS:

You are responsible for attending each appointment and agree to adhere to the following policy:

If you cannot attend a scheduled appointment, you MUST notify our office to cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours in advance to avoid a fee. If you do not cancel or reschedule within this timeframe, you will be considered a no-show and no-call

  • The first no-call/no-show or cancellation less than 24 hours in advance will be waived and charged at $0.
  • The second occurrence of a no-show/no-call or cancellation less than 24 hours in advance will result in a charge of $75.
  • After the second occurrence of a no-show/no-call or cancellation less than 24 hours in advance will result in a charge of $150.
  • If you cancel or reschedule more than twice within one month, we may need to re-evaluate your needs and treatment goals. The provider has the right to terminate treatment after two consecutive no-shows or missed without a call.
  • Any client who is not seen within 30 days will be terminated unless prior arrangements are made with the counselor.
    • If a client returns after 30 days but within 37 days from the last visit, a biopsychosocial update must be conducted.

For first appointments (the 90-minute intake session), if you do not notify us at least 24 hours in advance, you will be charged $75. If a second intake appointment is rescheduled and then missed, you will be charged the full rate of $225. After missing a second intake appointment, you will not be able to schedule any further appointments for 60 days.

If you arrive more than 15 minutes late for your scheduled appointment, your session will be canceled and counted as a no-show. The associated fee will be charged to your account.

Should you wish to extend your session time (based on availability), you will be responsible for the additional payment of $37.50 for each extra 15 minutes.

If you miss an appointment or fail to cancel, you must contact Time To Heal Counseling, LLC, within 72 hours to confirm your next recurrent appointment. After 72 hours, if your next appointment has not been confirmed via phone call, text message, or email, all your appointments will be canceled, and your allocated day and time will no longer be guaranteed.

INSURANCE

  • If the insurance guidelines prohibit this therapist from charging a no-show fee, the therapist will allow one missed appointment to be waived without a charge. After that, the therapist will assess whether to continue providing services, considering both ethical and legal factors.
  • In the event that a client’s insurance changes to a plan that is not accepted by Time To Heal Counseling LLC, or if the client loses their insurance coverage, it is imperative that the client notifies the therapist immediately. This prompt communication will facilitate a discussion regarding private pay fees, the exploration of referral options to another provider who accepts the new insurance, or more cost-effective services. Additionally, it may be necessary to consider the discharge from services. The therapist will make every effort to address the client’s needs in this situation.

FEES: The first session includes the completion of intake forms and a biopsychosocial assessment, lasting 90 minutes, at a total cost of $225. For all subsequent sessions, each will last 50 to 53 minutes and will be charged at a rate of $150. After the 53 minute session, each additional 15 minutes will cost $37.50. A credit card must be kept on file and will be charged at the time of service or in the event of a no-show or failure to notify us. All payments are due at the time of service. Acceptable payment methods include credit/debit cards and Health Savings Account (HSA) cards.

LETTERS, FORMS, and PAPERWORK: The therapist does not complete disability forms or letters for emotional support animals. For other forms, such as FMLA requests or any other paperwork, a fee of $100 per hour will apply. Time to Heal Counseling LLC or its staff will only consider completing these documents after the client has attended 7 to 10 sessions. Additionally, forms will not be completed if the therapist determines they cannot support the request based on the information provided during the intake and subsequent sessions.

EAP & WORKER’S COMPENSATION PAYMENTS: At Time to Heal Counseling LLC, we understand that navigating the complexities of mental health support can be challenging. However, we want to inform you that we do not accept Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or workers’ compensation payments. We encourage clients to explore alternative payment options to ensure you receive the care and support you need on your healing journey.

MORE THAN ONE COUNSELING TREATMENT AT THE SAME TIME: Clients may not have two individual counselors at the same time; any participation in group or couples/marriage counseling must be discussed with this therapist to evaluate potential conflicts. The therapist can terminate services at any point if a conflict arises.

TRIAL, COURT ORDERED APPEARANCES, LITIGATION: Rarely, but on occasion, a court will order a therapist to testify, be deposed, or appear in court for a matter relating to your treatment or case.  To protect your confidentiality, I strongly suggest not being involved in the court.  If I am called into court by you or your attorney, you will be charged a fee of $300 per hour, which includes travel time (door-to-door), court time, and preparation of documents, among other expenses. 

PHONE CONTACTS AND EMERGENCIES: Office hours are Monday – Thursday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (subject to change). If you need to contact the clinician for any reason please call 689-247-1339 leave a voicemail, and a return call will be made within 48 business hours or as soon as possible. In case of an emergency, you can access emergency assistance by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255. If either you or someone else is in danger of being harmed, dial 911. You may also go to the nearest hospital.

GRIEVANCE

  • Clients are encouraged to address concerns directly with their therapist, as open communication can often lead to quick resolutions. For formal complaints or feedback, clients can reach out to Lainy Peralta at lperalta@tthcounseling.com. This procedure applies to all clients and covers issues related to care quality, therapist conduct, billing, confidentiality, and other client experiences.
  • Additionally, clients can contact the Florida Department of Health’s Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) through their website at ahca.myflorida.com/contact-ahca or by calling the Consumer Complaint Center at (888) 419-3456 or (800) 955-8771 (Florida Relay Service). Further information is available on their website.
  • Clients may also reach out to their health insurance provider to file complaints.

GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE

Disclaimer

A Good Faith Estimate shows the costs of services that are reasonably expected for the expected services to address your mental health care needs. The estimate is based on the information known to the therapist during the initial/intake session, which a client receives during the intake session.

The Good Faith Estimate does not include any unknown or unexpected costs that may arise during treatment. You could be charged more if complications or special circumstances occur. If this happens, federal law allows you to dispute (appeal) the bill.

If you are billed for $400 more (per provider) than the Good Faith Estimate (GFE) you receive at the initial/intake session, you have the right to dispute the bill.

You may contact Time To Heal Counseling, LLC at lperalta@tthcounseling.com and 689-247-1339 to let them know the billed charges are at least $400 higher than the GFE. You can ask them to update the bill to match the GFE, ask to negotiate the bill, or ask if there is financial assistance available.

You may also start a dispute resolution process with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). If you choose to use the dispute resolution process, you must start the dispute process within 120 calendar days (about 4 months) of the date on the original bill.

There is a fee to use the dispute process. If the agency reviewing your dispute agrees with you, you will have to pay the price on this GFE. If the agency disagrees with you and agrees with the health care provider or facility, you will have to pay the higher amount.

To learn more and get a form to start the process, go to:

www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call CMS at 1-800-985-3059.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate or the dispute process, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call CMS at 1-800-985-3059.

CONFIDENTIALITY: Anything said in therapy is confidential and may not be revealed to a third party without written authorization, except for the following limitations (which will be further discuss in session):

  • Child Abuse
  • Vulnerable Adult Abuse
  • Self-Harm:
  • Harm to Others
  • Court Orders & Legal Issued Subpoenas
  • Court Ordered Therapy
  • Written Request
  • Fee Disputes
  • Couples Counseling & “No Secret” Policy
  • Dual Relationships & Public
  • Social Media
  • Electronic Communication
  • Sessions outside the Office