Patient Bill of Rights

      You have a right to:

• Request and receive full information about the therapist’s professional capabilities, including licensure, education, training, experience, professional association membership, specialization and limitations.
  
  
• Have written information about fees, method of payment, insurance reimbursement, number of sessions, substitutions(in cases of vacation and emergencies), and cancellation policies before beginning therapy.
  
  
• Receive respectful treatment that will be helpful to you.
  
  
• A safe environment, free from sexual, physical and emotional abuse.
  
  
• Ask questions about your therapy.
  
  
• Refuse to answer any question or disclose any information you choose nor to reveal.
  
  
• Request and receive information from therapist about your progress.
  
  
• Know the limits of confidentiality and the circumstances in which the therapist is legally required to disclose information to others.
  
  
• Know if there are supervisors, consultants, students, or others with whom your therapist will discuss your case.
  
  
• Refuse a particular type of treatment, or end treatment without obligation or harassment.
  
  
• Refuse electronic recording (but you may request it if you wish).
  
  
• Request and (in most cases) receive a summary of your file, including the diagnosis, your progress and the type of treatment.
  
  
• Report unethical and illegal behavior by a therapist.
  
  
• Receive a second opinion at any time about your therapy or therapist’s methods.
  
  
• Have a copy of your file transferred to any therapist or agency you choose.