Terms of Service

Please read these Terms of Service carefully before engaging in psychotherapy services with HarborMind Psychotherapy. This document explains how we work together, what you can expect from us, and what we expect from you.

Effective date: March 8, 2026

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1. Scope & Acceptance of These Terms

These Terms of Service (the “Terms”) govern your use of psychotherapy and related services provided by HarborMind Psychotherapy (the “Practice,” “we,” “our,” or “us”). By scheduling, attending, or paying for any session, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms in addition to any separate informed consent forms you sign.

These Terms apply to individual psychotherapy, couples or family sessions, consultations, and any related digital or in-person services we provide, whether delivered via secure video, telephone, or in our office (if applicable). They do not create a guarantee of outcomes, and they do not replace medical, legal, or crisis services.

  • You must be legally able to consent to treatment in your jurisdiction, or have a legal guardian who can consent on your behalf.
  • You agree to provide accurate, current information about yourself and to update us if anything important changes (e.g., contact information, medications, risk factors).
  • You may withdraw from services at any time, subject to the payment, cancellation, and other terms described in this document.

2. Nature of Psychotherapy Services

Psychotherapy is a collaborative process focused on improving mental health, coping, and overall well-being. Sessions may include discussion of your history, thoughts, emotions, behaviors, relationships, and goals. We may draw from several evidence-informed approaches, which will be explained to you in accessible language.

  • Psychotherapy may involve discussing difficult topics and emotions.
  • No specific results can be guaranteed, and progress can be non-linear.
  • You are encouraged to ask questions about your treatment at any time.
  • You retain the right to accept or decline any recommended intervention.

Unless otherwise specified, our services are not a substitute for emergency medical care, intensive outpatient or inpatient treatment, or specialized services such as substance use detoxification or psychiatric medication management. When needed, we may recommend additional or alternative services and can assist with referrals where possible.

3. Risks, Emergencies & Crisis Resources

Engaging in psychotherapy carries potential benefits and risks. While many people experience relief and growth, you may also temporarily feel worse as you explore painful experiences or changes. We will work with you to pace treatment so that it remains as safe and constructive as possible.

We are not a 24/7 crisis service. If you are in immediate danger, experiencing a life-threatening emergency, or are unable to keep yourself or others safe, do not wait for a response from our office. Instead, contact your local emergency number (such as 911), go to the nearest emergency room, or use your local crisis line.

  • Increased distress can occur before improvement.
  • Relationships and routines may shift as you grow.
  • You are responsible for using crisis and emergency resources when needed.
  • We may recommend higher levels of care if outpatient therapy is not sufficient to support your safety.

4. Fees, Payment, Cancellations & Insurance

Our current fees, session lengths, and accepted payment methods will be provided in writing prior to or at the time of your first appointment and may be updated periodically with reasonable notice. You are responsible for understanding the fee structure that applies to your care.

  • Payment is typically due at the time of service unless otherwise agreed in writing.
  • You authorize us to charge the payment method on file for sessions and any late-cancellation or no-show fees.
  • If you are using insurance, you remain responsible for any copays, coinsurance, deductibles, or non-covered services.
  • Unpaid balances may result in paused services until payment is arranged, except where doing so would be clinically inappropriate.

Cancellations & Missed Appointments. We reserve your appointment time specifically for you. Unless otherwise stated in your intake paperwork, cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice, or missed appointments, may be charged up to the full session fee and are generally not billable to insurance.

5. Confidentiality, Privacy & Limits

We are committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your health information in accordance with applicable laws and professional ethics. Details regarding how we handle your health information are described in our separate Notice of Privacy Practices, which you will receive and may request at any time.

In general, information you share in therapy is confidential and will not be disclosed without your written permission, except in specific situations where disclosure is required or permitted by law.

  • When there is serious concern that you may harm yourself or others.
  • When there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child, dependent adult, or elder.
  • When a court orders the release of records or testimony, subject to legal protections.
  • When disclosure is necessary for payment, operations, supervision, or consultation, consistent with privacy laws.
  • As otherwise described in our Notice of Privacy Practices or required by applicable law.

If we need to contact you (for scheduling, follow-up, or other purposes), we will use the contact information you have provided and will make reasonable efforts to respect your privacy preferences. Electronic communication (such as email or text) may not be fully secure; we will discuss risks and obtain your consent before using these methods for clinical information whenever possible.

6. Records, Technology & Communication

We maintain clinical records of your treatment in accordance with professional and legal standards. These records are the property of HarborMind Psychotherapy, but you generally have the right to access or request a copy of your records, subject to certain limited exceptions set by law and professional ethics.

  • We may use secure electronic health record systems for scheduling, documentation, and billing.
  • We will use reasonable safeguards to protect your information, but no system is completely free of risk.
  • We may charge a reasonable fee for copying, transmitting, or summarizing records, as permitted by law.
  • We discourage the use of social media messaging or unencrypted channels for clinical communication.

If we provide telehealth services, you are responsible for using a private location and devices that you control as much as possible, and for ensuring your own connectivity. We will inform you of any platform-specific requirements or limitations related to telehealth.

7. Informed Consent, Client Rights & Termination

You will receive an informed consent form describing your therapist’s credentials, approach, and additional policies specific to your care. By signing that document and engaging in services, you confirm that you understand the nature of treatment, its potential risks and benefits, and your options.

  • You have the right to ask questions about your treatment at any time.
  • You may request a second opinion or referral to another provider.
  • You may stop treatment at any time, though we recommend a planned closing session when possible.
  • We may recommend pausing or ending services if we determine that care is no longer clinically appropriate or within our scope, and will discuss referrals when possible.

Nothing in these Terms is intended to waive rights that you may have under applicable mental health, consumer protection, or privacy laws. If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

8. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms of Service from time to time to reflect changes in our practice, legal requirements, or professional standards. When we make significant changes, we will provide you with an updated copy and, when required, ask you to review and sign again.

Your continued use of our services after changes become effective will constitute your acceptance of the updated Terms. If you do not agree with the changes, you have the right to stop using our services, subject to any outstanding financial or clinical responsibilities already incurred.

Key questions about these terms

This FAQ summarizes common questions, but does not replace the full Terms of Service or any informed consent documents you sign.

Is this page legal advice or a substitute for a contract?

No. This page is intended to clearly describe how HarborMind Psychotherapy typically operates and what you can expect from services. It is not legal advice. Your specific rights and obligations are defined by the documents you sign (such as intake and consent forms), the laws of your jurisdiction, your insurance contracts if applicable, and professional regulations.

What if I have questions about something I do not understand?

You always have the right to ask questions about any aspect of your treatment, including these Terms, billing, confidentiality, or clinical recommendations. Please bring your questions to your therapist or contact our office so that we can clarify before moving forward.

Can I get a copy of my records or these terms?

Yes. You may request a copy of your records or another copy of these Terms and our Notice of Privacy Practices at any time, subject to applicable laws and reasonable administrative fees where permitted. We will explain your options if you make a request.

What happens if I disagree with a policy?

If you disagree with a policy, please let us know as soon as possible so we can discuss your concerns. In some cases we may be able to make reasonable accommodations; in others, policies may be required by law or professional standards. You may choose to discontinue services if you do not wish to continue under the applicable Terms.

9. Questions or concerns about these Terms

If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, your rights as a client, or how we protect your privacy, please contact our office directly so we can address your concerns in a timely and respectful manner.

David Pattison Counseling
Newton, NJ 07860

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 973-756-3251