Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Client
Written by Tretbar Therapy
We believe that effective therapy is a collaborative partnership. To foster a respectful, safe, and productive therapeutic environment, it's important for you to understand both your rights as a client and your responsibilities in the therapy process. This information is intended to empower you and clarify expectations.
Your Rights as a Client
As a client receiving therapy services at our practice, you have the right to:
- Respectful and Competent Care:
- To be treated with dignity, respect, and consideration, regardless of your age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other aspect of your identity.
- To receive competent, professional, and ethical care from a qualified and licensed therapist.
- Informed Consent:
- To receive clear and understandable information about your therapist's qualifications, the proposed therapy, potential benefits and risks, alternatives, fees, and practice policies before consenting to treatment.
- To ask questions and receive satisfactory answers regarding your therapy.
- Confidentiality:
- To have your personal information and what you share in therapy kept confidential, within the limits defined by law and professional ethics.
- To be informed about these limits to confidentiality.
- Participation in Your Treatment:
- To actively participate in developing your treatment goals and plans.
- To have your preferences and values considered in the therapeutic process.
- To review your treatment plan and request changes.
- Information About Your Treatment:
- To ask questions about your diagnosis (if applicable), the therapeutic techniques being used, and your progress.
- To request access to your therapy records in accordance with applicable laws (e.g., HIPAA).
- Safe Environment:
- To receive services in a safe, clean, and professional environment, whether in-person or via telehealth.
- Refuse or Terminate Treatment:
- To refuse any specific therapeutic technique or intervention.
- To terminate therapy at any time, though we encourage discussing this decision with your therapist to ensure a smooth transition if needed.
- Seek a Second Opinion:
- To seek a second opinion from another mental health professional if you desire.
- Freedom from Exploitation:
- To be free from any form of emotional, financial, sexual, or other exploitation by your therapist. Professional boundaries will be maintained at all times.
- Voice Concerns or Grievances:
- To express any concerns or grievances about your therapy or the services received without fear of reprisal.
Your Responsibilities as a Client
To make the most of your therapy experience and contribute to a successful therapeutic partnership, we ask that you:
- Be Actively Involved:
- Participate actively and honestly in your therapy sessions.
- Be willing to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
- Complete any agreed-upon "homework" or tasks between sessions, if applicable.
- Attend Sessions Regularly and Punctually:
- Attend scheduled appointments consistently and arrive on time.
- Provide adequate notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, as per our Cancellation & Payment Policies.
- Communicate Openly:
- Share relevant information with your therapist, even if it's difficult.
- Provide feedback to your therapist about how therapy is progressing for you.
- Ask questions if anything is unclear.
- Respect Practice Policies:
- Adhere to the practice's policies regarding fees, payment, communication, and other operational guidelines.
- Respect Your Therapist and the Therapeutic Space:
- Treat your therapist and our practice environment with respect.
- Ensure you are in a private, distraction-free space for telehealth sessions.
- Focus on Your Goals:
- Work collaboratively with your therapist towards your established therapy goals.
- Manage Expectations:
- Understand that therapy is a process and change can take time and effort. There may be ups and downs along the way.
By understanding and upholding these rights and responsibilities, we can work together to create a therapeutic experience that is supportive, effective, and empowering for you. If you have any questions about these rights or responsibilities, please feel free to contact us.