LifeWorks Policies

24-Hour Cancellation Policy

If you make an appointment with a LifeWorks counselor, we ask that you respect our cancellation policy and give us a full 24-hours notice if you need to cancel. Otherwise, you will be charged for your session. First-time clients are asked to commit to this policy when scheduling a session and will be asked for billing information, for use in the event of a no-show or last-minute cancel.

Filing Insurance

We do not file insurance for you (see Insurance page for information). We provide clients with a receipt, at the end of every session, containing all the information necessary to file a claim with insurance companies. We are glad to assist you in following-up, with your insurance company.

Our Relationship

Although you will be sharing personal things during the course of therapy, the tie between us is strictly professional. It is important to keep this relationship clear; therefore, we will carefully maintain this boundary. Sexual intimacy between a therapist and a client is ALWAYS inappropriate and illegal. If this has happened to you in the past, you should file a complaint with the appropriate licensing board.

Confidentiality

We will not share the things you disclose without written permission from you. However, we can be forced to reveal our communications if:

• We suspect child or elder abuse or neglect
• We feel that there is a threat that you will harm yourself or another.
• There is a licensure board inquiry
• Legal matters are involved.

It is important in the field of psychology to consult with other professionals about difficult cases; therefore, it is possible that we will discuss your case with other clinicians for the purpose of gaining information and insight. We will respect your privacy at all times.

Emergencies

During office hours, we can be reached at 214.357.4001. In the event of a genuine emergency, you can contact your therapist directly via his/her emergency contact number (on outgoing voice mail message).

If for some reason you cannot reach your therapist, contact your physician, your local emergency room or the local police department when necessary and appropriate. It is your responsibility to seek the appropriate resources in emergency situations.

If you are considering hurting yourself or someone else, call 911, 1-800-SUICIDE, your physician, or your local police department immediately.

Fees

Fees range from $35-150 an hour for professional services, depending on the practitioner experience and type of service requested. Please see the Services page for other rates. Lengthy or numerous phone calls may result in charges at the normal rate, in 15-minute increments.

Method of Treatment

Our method of treatment combines various family systems therapies with solution-focused and cognitive-behavioral ideas. This means that we look at most issues in the context of family background and current family dynamics. We take a positive approach to problems, assuming that people are resilient and have tremendous abilities to address their life situations. It is each individual therapist's role to help you understand the dynamics of your situation and to help you and your family use your particular strengths to address your issues.

Goals, Risks, and Benefits

There is always a risk of psychological side- effects from psychotherapy. Sometimes symptoms worsen before they get better. Often therapy brings up painful emotions. Our goal is to confront issues and emotions together, and with time, to work through them. Other types of therapy, such as support groups or therapy groups, may also be appropriate in your situation.

Length of Treatment

Length of treatment is very difficult to predict. Each individual has unique strengths and weaknesses, and each problem is different from the next. It is our goal that each client will finish therapy in a timely manner, without unnecessary waste of time or money.

Discrimination

Though LifeWorks counselors are clinically-trained Christian therapists, we work with clients from a variety of religious and philosophical backgrounds. We do not discriminate regarding race, gender, ethnicity, religion, or sexual identity. It is our desire to be of help to you regardless of your point of view or your current life situation.

Grievances

All LifeWorks counselors practice under the authority of the Texas LPC licensing board. If you have a complaint, you have the right to file a grievance with the following agency:
Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors at this address:
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, Texas 78756

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