PRIVACY & CONFIDENTIALITY
The law protects the privacy and confidentiality of all communications between a patient and a psychologist, but there are a few possible exceptions when information may be released to others without a client's expressed consent. Before taking action, we would make every effort to discuss the issue at hand with a client and will limit disclosure to what is absolutely necessary. The laws governing confidentiality can be quite complex and in situations where specific advice is required, formal legal advice may be needed.
Exceptions include:
Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect
A psychologist is mandated and required by law to report significant suspicion of child abuse or neglect to authorities.
Suspected Elder Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation
If there is suspicion of and/or a good faith reason to believe that an incapacitated adult has been subjected to abuse, neglect, or exploitation, or is living in hazardous conditions, the law requires that a report be filed with the appropriate government agency.
Posing a Threat to Self or Other
If a psychologist or psychiatrist believes that a client poses a threat to himself or to others, every effort will be made to enlist the client's cooperation in ensuring his safety. However, should this prove difficult or impossible, the treating clinician may be obligated to seek hospitalization, contact relevant authorities, family members, and/or others who can help provide protection.
Threat of Serious Bodily Harm to Other/s
If a client communicates a serious threat of physical violence against a clearly identified or reasonably identifiable victim or victims, a psychologist or psychiatrist may be required to take protective actions such as notifying the potential victim, contacting the police, or seeking involuntary hospitalization for the patient.
Legal Proceedings
If clients are involved in certain court or litigation proceedings and inform the court of services they have received from a psychologist or psychiatrist (i.e., making their mental health an issue before the court), they may be waiving their right to keep your records confidential.
More Information is available at: https://www.omh.ny.gov/omhweb/hipaa/phi_protection.html
The law protects the privacy and confidentiality of all communications between a patient and a psychologist, but there are a few possible exceptions when information may be released to others without a client's expressed consent. Before taking action, we would make every effort to discuss the issue at hand with a client and will limit disclosure to what is absolutely necessary. The laws governing confidentiality can be quite complex and in situations where specific advice is required, formal legal advice may be needed.
Exceptions include:
Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect
A psychologist is mandated and required by law to report significant suspicion of child abuse or neglect to authorities.
Suspected Elder Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation
If there is suspicion of and/or a good faith reason to believe that an incapacitated adult has been subjected to abuse, neglect, or exploitation, or is living in hazardous conditions, the law requires that a report be filed with the appropriate government agency.
Posing a Threat to Self or Other
If a psychologist or psychiatrist believes that a client poses a threat to himself or to others, every effort will be made to enlist the client's cooperation in ensuring his safety. However, should this prove difficult or impossible, the treating clinician may be obligated to seek hospitalization, contact relevant authorities, family members, and/or others who can help provide protection.
Threat of Serious Bodily Harm to Other/s
If a client communicates a serious threat of physical violence against a clearly identified or reasonably identifiable victim or victims, a psychologist or psychiatrist may be required to take protective actions such as notifying the potential victim, contacting the police, or seeking involuntary hospitalization for the patient.
Legal Proceedings
If clients are involved in certain court or litigation proceedings and inform the court of services they have received from a psychologist or psychiatrist (i.e., making their mental health an issue before the court), they may be waiving their right to keep your records confidential.
More Information is available at: https://www.omh.ny.gov/omhweb/hipaa/phi_protection.html
FEES
Please contact us to discuss fees, since they will vary depending on individual, couples or group treatment.
The fees will also depend on whether you are using your insurance. We do offer sliding scale. See below.
Sliding Scale
We are committed to offer a high quality of care to everyone. For that reason we strive to offer reduced fee services. The fee will be determined on a case-per-case basis, which will be discussed during the initial session.
Payment
Checks and Bank transfers are accepted for payment.
Insurance
Dr. Efrat Does not accept insurance. She is happy to provide invoices that can be reimbursed with "out-of-network" benefits.
Cancellation Policy
Therapy is based on a reciprocal commitment and is beneficial only if both parties accept responsibility. Our cancellation policy bases itself on this principle. If you do not keep your appointment and notify us at least 48 hours in advance, you and your therapist will try to find a way to make up for the missed session. If rescheduling cannot be done within two weeks, you will be responsible for the fee for the missed session. Your therapist will be happy to spend a few minutes addressing any questions or concerns you might have regarding this policy.
Please contact us to discuss fees, since they will vary depending on individual, couples or group treatment.
The fees will also depend on whether you are using your insurance. We do offer sliding scale. See below.
Sliding Scale
We are committed to offer a high quality of care to everyone. For that reason we strive to offer reduced fee services. The fee will be determined on a case-per-case basis, which will be discussed during the initial session.
Payment
Checks and Bank transfers are accepted for payment.
Insurance
Dr. Efrat Does not accept insurance. She is happy to provide invoices that can be reimbursed with "out-of-network" benefits.
Cancellation Policy
Therapy is based on a reciprocal commitment and is beneficial only if both parties accept responsibility. Our cancellation policy bases itself on this principle. If you do not keep your appointment and notify us at least 48 hours in advance, you and your therapist will try to find a way to make up for the missed session. If rescheduling cannot be done within two weeks, you will be responsible for the fee for the missed session. Your therapist will be happy to spend a few minutes addressing any questions or concerns you might have regarding this policy.
