FAQ
Note: If none of these questions apply to you, or if you’d like to schedule a session – you can contact The Resilient Helix directly By Clicking HERE
You can also learn more about the Resilient Helix on their website: www.theresilienthelix.com/
What if I can’t decide who I need to see?
If you are unsure of who you would like to see, simply complete the contact form with your information and we will reach out to you with the right fit for your needs.
What if my child cannot attend all of the group sessions?
Group sessions are paid for in full for the entire 6 week segment. If you anticipate your child not being able to attend, you may consider waiting until the next segment begins in two months.
What are your rates and fees per session?
*Note: Legal cases are charged a separate fee schedule.
Dr. Court*
- Initial 90 minute Psychiatric Evaluation: $850.00
- 60 min sessions: $450.00
- 45 min sessions: $375.00
- 25 min sessions: $250.00
Dr. Masters*
- Initial 90 minute Psychological Evaluation: $475.00
- 60 min sessions: $250.00
- 45 min sessions: $200.00
What types of insurance do you accept?
The Resilient Helix team members do not directly bill insurance companies. If you have a PPO plan and would like to use your Out of Network benefits for services, please review these step-by-step instructions.
What is your policy on late arrivals, missed sessions, and appointment cancellation?
You are responsible for payment of the agreed upon fee for any missed sessions. You are also responsible for payment of the full agreed-upon fee, for any session for which you failed to give me at least 24 hours notice of cancellation. Please expect your credit card on file to be charged as usual for no-show appointments or cancellations with less than 24 hours notice.
If you are late to your appointment we will still have to end on time for the courtesy of the next client. The fee will remain the same because your fee is based on the amount of time reserved, not the amount used.
We prefer not to see you if you are very sick, and will work to try to help you reschedule. This is especially important with children and play therapy. Play therapy involves the touching of toys and games, one sick child can get the other children in our office sick easily. It is our preference that you cancel when your child is sick. Insurance will generally not pay for a missed session and if you miss a session or cancel late, your insurance company will not help you cover the fee for that session.
Cancellation notice should be left on therapists’ voicemail.
What is your confidentiality policy?
The information disclosed by you, the patient, is generally confidential and will not be released to any third party without written authorization from you, except where required or permitted by law. Exceptions to confidentiality, include, but are not limited to, reporting child, elder and dependent adult abuse, when a client makes a serious threat of violence towards a reasonably identifiable victim, or when a client is dangerous to him/herself or the person or property of another. In certain legal situations, such as in a child custody case or when your emotional condition is an issue (for example, in a Worker’s Compensation or personal injury case), the judge may order your therapist to testify. In the event that an account goes unpaid, it is legal for your therapist to disclose your name, dates of sessions, and amount due to a collection agency, or small claims court as necessary.
Federal Law under the Patriot Act states that when the federal government believes an individual to be a threat to national security, the government may access an individual’s therapy records with a federal warrant. In the unlikely event that this occurs, your therapist will not disclose to you that this has happened.
The Resilient Helix providers practice in an office with other mental health professionals. As therapists we regularly participate in clinical, ethical, and legal consultation with appropriate professionals. There may be times when we may need to share protected information with these individuals for clinical purposes, for the benefit of your treatment, or in the event of an emergency where another clinician needs to contact you to notify you of a cancelled appointment. During consultations, we will not reveal any personally identifying information regarding you. All mental health professionals are bound by the same rules of confidentiality. All members have been given training about protecting your privacy and have agreed not to release confidential information outside of our practice without appropriate Authorization for Disclosure, or one of the above listed mandates and/or emergencies. California Civil Code Section, 56.10 states that information may be disclosed to “providers of healthcare or other healthcare professionals or facilities for purposes of diagnosis or treatment of the patient” without the patient’s consent.
What will you tell me about my child’s treatment?
Patients under 18 years of age who are not emancipated generally require parental consent in order to begin treatment. Parental consent must come from a parent or guardian with legal custody. If your minor is the subject of a divorced union we will require you to bring a copy of your most recent custody agreement in order to initiate consent for treatment. Communications with patients who are minors (under the age of 18) are confidential. However, parents and other guardians who provide authorization for their child’s treatment are often involved in their treatment. In the exercise of professional judgment, we may discuss treatment progress of a minor patient with the parent or caregiver. Parents of a minor in treatment should be aware that the therapeutic process does not work without elements of trust and confidentiality. Parents are asked to respect this principle within what is reasonable and possible. Minor clients and their parents are urged to discuss questions or concerns regarding this topic with me.
What happens if my records are summoned in a legal proceeding?
Information disclosed by a client, as well as any records created, are subject to the psychotherapist- patient privilege. The psychotherapist-patient privilege results from the special relationship between you and your therapist in the eyes of the law. It is akin to the attorney-client privilege. Typically, the patient is the holder of the privilege. If we receive a subpoena for records, deposition testimony, or testimony in a court of law, we will assert the psychotherapist-patient privilege on your behalf until instructed, in writing, to do otherwise by you or your representative. Please be aware that you might be waiving the psychotherapist-client privilege if you makes mental or emotional state an issue in a legal proceeding. Please address any concerns you might have regarding the psychotherapist-client privilege with your attorney.
Exceptions to privilege include, but are not limited to: If 1) a patient is a danger to self or others, 2) a judge issues a court order, 3) a patient introduces his/her mental condition into testimony, 4) someone is under 16 and victim of a crime, 5) the court is using therapy to establish sanity or competency to stand trial, 6) a patient has treated information as though it is not confidential, 7) information pertaining to the Patriot Act, 8) information listed on a health insurance claim form or child abuse report, 9) a patient files a complaint or lawsuit against therapist.
