Office Policies & Complaints

Informed Consent for Services

When accessing services with Discovery Counseling Austin, there are policies & procedures we must inform you about including some details about payment, confidentiality and communication. This document explains how we implement services so you get the most compassionate and supportive treatment possible.

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Privacy & Confidentiality

This is the HIPAA consent which is important for you to understand. HIPAA stands for The Health Information Portability and Accountability Act and it is a federal law that provides privacy protections and patient rights about the use and disclosure of your Protected Health Information (PHI) for the purposes of treatment, payment, and health care operations. The information you share with your provider is considered confidential and private but there are policies that create some limitations.

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Privacy & Confidentiality

This is the HIPAA consent which is important for you to understand. HIPAA stands for The Health Information Portability and Accountability Act and it is a federal law that provides privacy protections and patient rights about the use and disclosure of your Protected Health Information (PHI) for the purposes of treatment, payment, and health care operations. The information you share with your provider is considered confidential and private but there are policies that create some limitations.

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Consents for Special Services

RELATIONSHIP COUNSELING
There are unique guidelines that apply to relationship counseling so please be aware of the information in the relationship consent. It outlines important policies like confidentiality and records management.

COUNSELING WITH A PROVISIONAL PROVIDER
Provisional providers are clinicians who have completed all of their education and are in the process of completing their required post-graduate experience.  This included Licensed Professional Counselor Associates, Licensed Master Social Worker and Licensed Marriage and Family Associate. There are slight differences in the guidelines for payment and records management so please review this consent.

COUNSELING WITH A THERAPIST IN TRAINING
Therapists in training are clinicians who are currently completing their educational experiences and are working with Discovery in their practicum or internship rotation. These providers have undergone rigorous screening to determine that their skills and expertise fit with the needs of the clients at Discovery. You can read more about working with them here.

YOUTH & FAMILY COUNSELING CONSENT SPECIFICALLY FOR THE YOUTH CLIENT
In this consent document, we outline specific guidelines for confidentiality and communication that apply to services for a minor client. Please be aware of these and share them directly with the youth client so they are clear on these guidelines as well.

YOUTH & FAMILY COUNSELING CONSENT FOR GUARDIAN
The guidelines for confidentiality and communication that apply to services for a minor client are outlined from the guardian’s perspective in this consent document.