PRACTICE POLICY

Welcome to my practice.

This document contains important information about my professional services and business policies. Please read it carefully. your submission oF this form will represent an agreement between us regarding treatment with me.

(ALTERNATIVELY, YOU CAN ACCESS THE DOCUMENT HERE ANd print it to sign. please bring the physical form to your first appointment.)

APPOINTMENTS

Appointments can only be scheduled after a brief phone conversation with Dr. Deutsch.

I understand that once a patient begins treatment with Dr. Deutsch, they will have a specific time reserved to meet, typically once a week for 45-50 minutes. If a patient appears late for a session, it means that we will lose time from that session.

FEE

Before the first appointment, the fee will be discussed with Dr. Deutsch by phone. I understand that Dr. Deutsch’s session fee may change. I understand that Dr. Deutsch does not accept insurance directly, but will provide me with invoices, if I request, to submit to my insurance company for out of network reimbursement.

PAYMENT

I understand that payment is due in full at the end of each session, or within 24 hours of the receipt of an invoice. I understand that if a patient attends sessions regularly, monthly billing can be set up for convenience. I understand that if a patient has a balance outstanding for more than 30 days Dr. Deutsch has the right to stop treatment with them and refer the patient to another appropriate treatment provider.

Electronic payments are preferred. Otherwise, the patient will pay by check. In the event that a check is returned for insufficient funds, the patient understands that a $50 fee will be incurred.

CANCELLATION POLICY

The patient understands that a full session fee is charged for “no-shows,” a term this practice defines as missing appointments for reasons other than illness or emergency. If an appointment is scheduled, and notification is given at least 24 hours in advance via e-mail at dianadorfmandeutsch@gmail.com or by text at 718.650.1005, the session charge will not be incurred. If the client does not give 24 hours advance notice, they understand that they will be charged for a full session.

COMMUNICATION

If a client needs to reach out to me in between appointments, I can be reached by text, voicemail, or email. The bulk of these communications should be regarding schedule. (It is important to avoid putting personal history and information in an email.) Routine correspondence should be received during the hours of 9 AM – 5 PM on weekdays. Messages will be answered promptly, but it is important to understand that, in the case of an emergency, leaving a message does not take the place of reaching out for imminent help. If a client feels that they or someone else are in immediate danger of harming themselves or others, they should call 911.

Ultimately, the therapeutic process takes place in our scheduled sessions, and whatever other communication via text, voicemail, or email cannot replace the value of an in-person or virtual appointment.

VACCINATION & PHYSICAL HEALTH

A requirement for in-person appointments is either:

1)    Proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 (vaccination card or health record presented at first appointment)

OR

2)    Agreement to a temperature check at the door of my office via a non-contact thermometer before each appointment AND wearing of a mask, as well as physical distancing, during the appointment.

For in-person appointments, I will continue to follow CDC and local guidance regarding the wearing of masks. Please understand that this will change over time, and clients will be informed accordingly.

If clients are showing any signs of physical illness, including fever or cough, we will have to switch to a virtual appointment for that session. Please understand that if a client comes to the office and is found to have a fever, they will be turned away.

If a patient has found that they are suddenly ill at the last minute before a session, it is better to cancel the appointment than to arrive in my office with symptoms. This is for the safety of not only myself but also my other clients. There will be no charge for appointments that have to be canceled due to illness.

VIRTUAL/REMOTE THERAPY

Sessions are held via FaceTime, Skype, or Zoom. Clients need to understand that these are not encrypted services. While the risk of any breach is low, it is important to realize that there is potentially a different level of privacy in virtual sessions. That being said, it has become standard practice in our professional world to use these modes of communication. This practice also uses audio-only virtual sessions when appropriate.

Additionally, privacy is of the utmost importance in order to fully engage with the therapeutic process. It is expected that clients who do not live alone will set aside space, so they can have confidence in their privacy, from which to attend virtual sessions.

MEDICATION POLICY

Although I am a licensed psychiatrist, my practice is primarily for talk therapy.

FINAL AGREEMENT

I have read and reviewed Dr. Deutsch’s cancellation and practice policies and agree to abide by them.