These notices are provided to inform and protect you as a consumer of mental health services.
Good Faith Estimate (No Surprises Act)
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate explaining how much your medical or mental health care will cost.
Under federal law, health care providers must give an estimate of expected charges to patients who are uninsured or not using insurance. This applies to all non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy.
-
You may request a Good Faith Estimate from any provider before scheduling services.
-
If you receive a bill that is $400 or more above your estimate, you have the right to dispute it.
-
Be sure to save a copy or photo of your estimate.
For more information, visit: www.cms.gov/nosurprises
California BBS Complaint Procedure
Notice to Clients:
The Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) handles complaints about services provided by:
-
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs)
-
Licensed Educational Psychologists (LEPs)
-
Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs)
-
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs)
To file a complaint, visit: www.bbs.ca.gov
Or call: (916) 574-7830
Downloadable Brochure (PDF):
Self-Empowerment: How to Choose a Mental Health Professional
Client Rights
As a client, you have the right to:
-
Request information about your therapist’s licensure, education, and experience
-
Be treated with dignity, respect, and in a safe, abuse-free environment
-
Ask questions about your treatment and decline to answer personal questions
-
Receive information about your progress and treatment goals
-
Know your confidentiality rights and legal exceptions
-
Be informed if others (e.g., supervisors, students) will discuss your case
-
Decline specific treatments or discontinue therapy without pressure
-
Refuse electronic recordings of your sessions
-
Request a summary of your treatment and progress
-
Report unethical or illegal therapist behavior
-
Seek a second opinion at any time
-
Transfer your file to another therapist or agency
Downloadable Brochure (PDF):
Therapy Never Includes Sexual Behavior
HIPAA & Privacy
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) establishes strict federal protections for the privacy of your personal health information.
For full details, visit the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services:
www.hhs.gov