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.