Policies

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0 height="100%"><tr> <td valign="top" width=220 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Practical Spirituality"><U>WMEades.com Home Page</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.counseling-waco.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.counseling-waco.com"><U>Counseling-Waco Home Page</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="http://wacopartnership.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://wacopartnership.org"><U>Waco Partnership for Psychological and Spiritual Care Home Page</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="http://practicalspirituality.wordpress.com/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://practicalspirituality.wordpress.c"><U>Practical Spirituality Blog</U></A></div> <div> _________________________</div> <div> <A HREF="aboutme.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About Me and My Work"><U>About Me and My Work</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id518.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Making an Appointment"><U>Making an Appointment</U></A></div> <div> Policies</div> <div> <A HREF="cost.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Cost of Counseling"><U>Cost of Counseling</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="helpfularticles.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Helpful Articles"><U>Helpful Articles</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="directions.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Directions to Office"><U>Directions to Office</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="booksummaries.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Book Summaries"><U>Book Summaries</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="counseling.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Pastoral Counseling"><U>Pastoral Counseling</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="premarriage.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Premarriage Counseling"><U>Premarriage Counseling</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="enneagram.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Enneagram"><U>The Enneagram</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id494.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Alcoholics Anon. Mtgs."><U>Alcoholics Anon. Mtgs.</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="faith.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="When Faith Doesnt Work"><U>When Faith Doesn't Work</U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.theravive.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.theravive.com"><U><IMG SRC="83da03c0.jpg" border=0 width="160" height="60" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" BGCOLOR="#EEEEEE" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B>Policies</B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="798" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 2015 WIDTH="786"><div> <A HREF="id518.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Making an Appointment"><U><I><B>Return to appointment page</B></I></U></A></div> <bR> <div> Before making an appointment, I need for you to look over my policies and the <B>"Commitment to Treatment" statement</B>.  You can print out the statement, fill it out and bring it with you, or you can fill out a copy at my office.</div> <div> Policies and Procedures</div> <div> <B>Email</B></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">I understand that email is not a confidential form of communication.  Please keep in mind that email passes through many servers all around the world, and it is possible that an email could be seen by others.  Also, many businesses monitor the emails sent through their systems.  A simple & free encryption program can be downloaded at <A HREF="http://www.pc-encrypt.com/_site/alock/index.mhtml" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.pc-encrypt.com/_site/alock/in"><U><B>http://www.pc-encrypt.com/_site/alock/index.mhtml</B></U></A>.  If you want to use this program, then install it on your computer and then call me to leave your passcode with me.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Appointments and Cancellations</B></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">It is important that a regular appointment schedule be kept. As a part of your initial consultation, you and I will decide upon an appointment schedule. Usually this schedule calls for one appointment each week, but sometimes other arrangements are made. You will need to agree to a schedule which you can regularly keep.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">An appointment lasts about 50 minutes, though sometimes slightly longer or shorter.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">If you are unable to keep an appointment, you must notify me 24 hours in advance. I plan my schedule around appointments. It is very important that I receive advance notice concerning cancellations.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">If you do not give 24 hours advance notice for a cancellation, then you will be charged for that hour, except in cases involving emergencies and/or accidents. Sometimes last minute events occur which make it virtually impossible for a person to make an appointment. Such events will be taken into consideration. Generally, however, payment for missed appointments will be expected. If insurance pays a portion of your fee, you will be expected to pay what your fee would be without the insurance.</div> <div> <B>Confidentiality</B></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">All counseling information is confidential and will not be released without your informed, written consent, except where ethical and legal limits to confidentiality require.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Ethical and legal limits to confidentiality include indications of clear and imminent danger to self or others. Confidentiality will be broken in circumstances where you are threatening harm to yourself or to others. At these times I will call whomever I consider necessary to protect you or a person you may be threatening. These calls could be to family, friends, your minister, other mental health professionals, and/or law enforcement. Also, please understand that I am required by law to report any cases of child abuse/neglect or elder abuse/neglect to law enforcement agencies.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Professional and supervisory relationships may involve confidential consultation with another counselor regarding counseling issues in order to provide the best possible service. I work with a variety of mental health professionals in order to ensure quality care. Your confidentiality is protected in these consultations. Furthermore, consultation with other mental health professionals does not require a written release of information.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Sessions may be tape-recorded or video-recorded. Occasional taping helps me provide the best possible counseling care. I will never record a session without first asking your permission. The tape recorder will never be on without your knowledge. You always have the right to meet without recording.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Confidentiality extends to minors receiving therapy without their parents present. I will respect the privacy of minors while in therapy. Though therapists will always encourage minors to share important information with parents/legal guardians, I will not share information except where issues are relevant to the limits of confidentiality named above.</div> <div> <B>Fees and Payment</B></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The fee charged for all counseling is $115 per session unless arrangments for a fee subsidy have been arranged.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">You may qualify for a subsidy through the <B>Waco Partnership for Psychological and Spiritual Care</B>.  </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">If you wish to apply for a subsidy I will need for you to provide <A HREF="cost.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Cost of Counseling"><U><B>this information</B></U></A>.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Medical insurance may cover a portion of your fee.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Your insurance may pay for a portion of the fee. Information regarding insurance is provided with these forms. It is your responsibility to contact your insurance company and clarify coverage and deductibles related to mental health care.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Once it is determined that your insurance will cover services, then Dr. Eades will file on your behalf and you will be required to pay only your portion of the fee. Please keep in mind that you may owe a deductible at the beginning of each year. You will be required to pay your established fee until the deductible is met.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The agreed upon fee is to be paid at the end of each counseling appointment.</div> <div> <B>Complaints</B></div> <div> Complaints about counseling services may be directed to the state licensing agencies by calling 1-800-942-5540.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Commitment to Treatment</B></div> <div> Please print this statement out, fill it out, and bring it with you, or you may fill out a copy at my office.</div> <bR> <div> Name________________________________________________ Date of Birth____________________</div> <div> Referral_____________________________________ Relationship to Referral_____________________</div> <div> May Dr. Eades notify the referral that you've come for an appointment?    ___Yes    ___No If yes, please initial _______</div> <div> Pastor/Congregation___________________________________________________________________</div> <div> May Dr. Eades notify the pastor that you've come for an appointment?     ___Yes    ___No If yes, please initial _______</div> <div> Consultation : You have my permission to consult with the following persons who may be of help:</div> <div> Name______________________________________________ Relationship_______________________</div> <div> Name______________________________________________ Relationship_______________________</div> <div> Name______________________________________________ Relationship_______________________</div> <div> Name______________________________________________ Relationship_______________________</div> <div> Name______________________________________________ Relationship_______________________</div> <div> Name______________________________________________ Relationship_______________________</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>I agree to make a commitment to the treatment process. I understand that this means I have agreed to be actively involved in all aspects of treatment, including:</B></I></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Attending sessions (or giving Wes at least 24 hours notice when I cannot be present).</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Voicing my opinions, thoughts, and feeling honestly and openly, whether negative or positive.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Being actively involved during sessions</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Engaging in experiments outside of therapy if and when they are recommended.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Experimenting with new behaviors and new ways of doing things.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Taking medications, if prescribed by a medical doctor, as they are prescribed (and discussing any ideas for changing meds with the doctor).</div> <div> <I><B>I also understand that, to a large degree, my progress depends on the amount of energy and effort I make. If it is not working, I'll discuss it with you. In short, I make a commitment to living a full and meaningful life.</B></I></div> <div> I have read the policies and procedures and I am willing to work with Wes accordingly. I have carefully considered the commitment to treatment statement and I am willing to make this commitment as the statement stands or based on amendments that Wes and I have mutually agreed upon.</div> <bR> <div> Signature__________________________________________________________Date__________________________</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="id518.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Making an Appointment"><U><I><B>Return to appointment page</B></I></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>