Terms & Conditions
A legal disclaimer
Welcome to Cherish Mental Health Counseling, LLC. By using this website and/or engaging in therapy services with Cherish A. Smith, MA, LMHC, you agree to the following terms and conditions. Please read these carefully. Click here to view the FAQ page. Click here to contact for any questions.
1. Scope of Services
Cherish Mental Health Counseling provides licensed mental health services, including:
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Individual therapy
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Art therapy
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Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
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Trauma-informed approaches
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques
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Mindfulness and positive psychology-based interventions
Therapy sessions may be conducted in-person in Florida or via secure telehealth platforms. Telehealth services require a private, safe location and a stable internet connection.
2. Payment & Insurance
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Self-pay rates: $100 per 50-minute individual session; $150 per 90-minute ART session. Sliding scale availability is limited and offered upon request. Fees for completed sessions are non-refundable.
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Payments are processed through Headway or other platforms as indicated during your registration. Payment methods include debit, credit card, or ACH transfer.
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If using insurance, any copay, deductible, or coinsurance will be reflected in the amount due. Coverage varies by plan; clients are responsible for confirming benefits with their insurance provider.
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A Superbill may be provided for out-of-network reimbursement.
3. Appointment, Cancellation & No-Show Policy
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Please arrive on time for sessions. Late arrivals may result in shortened session time or a no-show.
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Cancellations: Notify at least 24 hours in advance to avoid a cancellation fee. Two cancellations per year are allowed with no charge; beyond that, full session fees may apply.
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No-Show Policy: Two consecutive no-shows, or three within 60 days, may result in discharge from therapy.
4. Confidentiality & Privacy
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All sessions are confidential in accordance with HIPAA regulations, except in cases of mandated reporting (child/elder abuse, harm to self or others, or court orders).
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Secure communication should be conducted via Headway portal or encrypted email. Standard email, text, and social media messages are not fully secure.
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Social media interactions with current or former clients are not permitted to protect confidentiality.
5. Client Responsibilities
Clients are expected to:
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Attend scheduled sessions and arrive on time
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Communicate openly and honestly
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Complete therapeutic homework or assignments as appropriate
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Respect the therapist’s policies and professional boundaries
6. Risks & Benefits of Therapy
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Therapy may bring up uncomfortable emotions such as sadness, anger, or anxiety.
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Benefits can include improved coping skills, self-awareness, and strengthened relationships.
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There are no guarantees regarding outcomes. Therapy is most effective when clients actively participate.
7. Telehealth Specific Terms
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Sessions must be conducted in a private, safe, and stationary environment within Florida.
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Telehealth limitations include technical difficulties, unstable connections, and limited nonverbal cues.
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Participation constitutes consent to receive services via secure telehealth platforms.
8. Discharge Policy
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Clients may discontinue therapy at any time.
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The therapist may also recommend discharge or referral to another provider if needs are better served elsewhere.
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Inactive clients for over 30 days or repeated missed sessions may be discharged.
9. Professional Records
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Records are maintained for a minimum of seven years (or longer for minors).
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Clients may request access, copies, or transfer of records via a written Release of Information form.
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Records are confidential and should be reviewed with a professional to avoid misinterpretation.
10. Agreement
By scheduling or attending sessions, clients acknowledge that they have read, understand, and agree to these terms and conditions. This agreement applies to all therapy sessions with Cherish Mental Health Counseling, LLC.
