Getting Started
You’ve already made the first step by finding this website. For some, taking the next step and scheduling an appointment can feel scary or uncomfortable. That’s normal. It’s important that you find a therapist who is a good fit for you. During our initial conversation we will briefly discuss your situation to help you decide if you would like to schedule an appointment.
In our first few sessions we will talk about your current situation and what your hopes are for our work together. We will review my informed consent and privacy forms. Then we will work towards the goals that we have established together.
Sessions are 50 minutes long and I typically see people once a week, especially when we first start working together. We can then figure out if we need to increase or decrease our meetings. I see people for both short term and long term therapy.
To initiate the initial conversation and to schedule your first appointment, please call me at 510.426.3450 or email me at amanda@amandahartreytherapy.com. During the week I check voicemail and email periodically throughout the day and will get back to you within 24 hours. Please let me know the best way to get in touch with you and some times that might be good.
Fee
My fee is $150 per 50-minute session. I have a limited amount of sliding scale appointments for clients with financial difficulties. Please discuss these concerns with me during our initial conversation. I accept cash, checks and most major credit cards.
Good Faith Estimate
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost.
Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services.
You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.
Paperwork
Below is a list of forms for you to review before our first meeting. I will email the forms to you before we meet. You will need printed copies of the New Client Information form and the Informed Consent. If you are unable to print them, I can give you copies during our first meeting. All information collected in the New Client Information form is confidential. Please fill it out to the best of your ability and comfort level.
New Client Information
Informed Consent
Social Media Policy
Notice of Privacy Practices
Cancellations
The time we have together is specifically for you and can’t be given to someone else on short notice. If you do need to cancel, please call me at 510.426.3450 at least 24 hours before our scheduled meeting time. If you cancel or miss the appointment with less than 24 hours notice, you will be charged for that visit.
Confidentiality
Our therapeutic relationship is based on trust, therefore, maintaining your privacy and keeping your information confidential is of utmost importance to me. I won’t release your information to any one without written authorization from you first. There are certain exceptions to confidentiality that you should be aware of. Legally I am mandated to report suspected child, elder and dependent abuse, or when you are a danger or making serious threats to yourself or others, or if a court orders me to release information. More about confidentiality can be found in my informed consent.