Center for Mental Resilience (CFMR)
Counseling Policies, Client Rights, and Informed Consent

Effective on and after January 10, 2026

1. Client Rights and Responsibilities
   As a client receiving counseling services through Center for Mental Resilience (CFMR), you have certain rights and responsibilities. You also have legal protections and limitations that are important to understand. CFMR clinicians have corresponding professional and ethical responsibilities to you. These rights and responsibilities are outlined below and are intended to support a respectful, transparent, and effective therapeutic relationship.

1. Benefits and Risks of Therapy; No Guarantees
   CFMR provides therapy tailored to each client’s needs and may include supportive, insight-oriented, skills-based, and behavioral interventions. Research generally supports the effectiveness of these approaches; however, therapy involves both potential benefits and risks.

Risks may include experiencing uncomfortable emotions such as sadness, guilt, anxiety, anger, frustration, loneliness, or helplessness, as therapy often involves discussing challenging aspects of life. Benefits may include reduced emotional distress, improved relationships, increased self-awareness, enhanced coping skills, and progress toward identified goals.

Therapy requires active participation, including applying insights or skills discussed in sessions outside of therapy. While many clients experience improvement, outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

1. Scope of Practice and Level of Care
   CFMR is primarily a telehealth-based practice and provides outpatient mental health services appropriate for mild to moderate clinical needs. CFMR does not provide crisis services, inpatient care, or treatment requiring a higher level of intensity or immediate intervention.

If at any time a clinician determines that a client’s needs exceed the scope or level of care CFMR can provide, appropriate referrals will be made. Clinicians are ethically obligated to refer clients when necessary for safety or clinical appropriateness. Personal values, including religious or cultural beliefs, are respected and are not grounds for referral; however, clients may request referrals based on personal preference.

1. Confidentiality and Mandated Reporting
   Client confidentiality is a fundamental component of therapy and is protected by law and professional ethics. CFMR’s confidentiality practices are detailed in the Privacy Policy and HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices.

Confidentiality is subject to legal exceptions, including mandated reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect, abuse of elders or dependent adults, and duty to warn or protect when there is a credible risk of harm to the client or others.

Any release of information requires written authorization specifying the information to be released, the purpose, time limits, and consequences of refusal. Clients may revisit confidentiality questions at any time.

1. Treatment Planning
   An initial evaluation will occur at the start of services to assess clinical needs and goals. Based on this evaluation, an initial treatment plan will be developed and reviewed with the client. Treatment plans are collaborative, reviewed periodically, and updated as clinically or administratively required.

Clients are encouraged to ask questions and assess their comfort with treatment at any time.

1. Appointments, Missed Appointments, and Cancellations
   Therapy sessions are approximately 55 minutes in length and are typically scheduled weekly unless otherwise agreed upon. Appointment times are reserved exclusively for each client.

Clients must provide at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Appointments missed or canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice are subject to the full session fee. Insurance companies do not reimburse for missed appointments; therefore, clients are financially responsible for these charges.

Late arrival does not extend the scheduled session time; sessions will end as scheduled.

1. Professional Fees
   The standard fee for therapy services at CFMR is $135 per session across the practice. Fees are due at the time of service. CFMR utilizes SimplePractice AutoPay, and a valid payment method must be maintained on file.

Insurance reimbursement rates vary by plan and carrier. Clients are responsible for understanding their financial responsibility.

1. Insurance and Financial Responsibility
   Clients are responsible for understanding their insurance benefits, including coverage limits, deductibles, copays, and authorization requirements. With client consent, CFMR may assist with claim submission; however, verification of benefits and notification of coverage changes remain the client’s responsibility.

Insurance providers may require clinical information such as diagnoses, treatment plans, or progress summaries. Once information is submitted to an insurance carrier, CFMR cannot control how it is stored or used. Clients may request copies of information submitted on their behalf.

1. Professional Records
   CFMR maintains clinical records in a secure electronic health record system. Records include intake documentation, diagnoses, treatment plans, progress notes, correspondence, and billing information.

Clients may request access to their records, subject to legal exceptions. Because records are professional clinical documents, CFMR recommends reviewing them with a clinician or another qualified professional. Requests for records or releases must be submitted in writing.

1. Contact and Emergency Procedures
   CFMR does not provide emergency services. Email, text messaging, voicemail, or fax should not be used for emergencies.

In an emergency, clients should contact a local crisis line, go to the nearest emergency room, or call 911. If a client is in danger from another individual, law enforcement or local domestic violence resources should be contacted immediately.

1. Additional Client Rights
   Clients have the right to respectful, safe, and non-discriminatory care. Concerns about therapy are encouraged to be discussed directly with the clinician whenever possible. Clients may request referrals or discontinue therapy at any time.

Clients may ask questions regarding therapy, clinician qualifications, and treatment approaches.

1. Informed Consent
   By signing or acknowledging these Counseling Policies, you confirm that you have read, understand, and agree to the terms outlined above. You may retain a copy for your records.

Questions may be directed to requests@mentalresilience.org.