1. Welcome and purpose

Houston Heights Therapy PLLC provides outpatient psychotherapy services to adults and adolescents in Texas. This document describes the nature of therapy services, your rights as a client, and the policies that govern our work together.

2. About your therapist

Your therapist is a licensed or supervised clinical professional in the state of Texas. LCSWs hold independent licensure. LMSWs are supervised associates working toward independent licensure under the oversight of a licensed clinical supervisor at this practice. If your therapist is an LMSW associate, their clinical work is reviewed by a supervising LCSW. This supervision is standard and does not affect the quality of your care.

3. Nature of therapy

Therapy is a collaborative process. Common approaches used at this practice include trauma-informed therapy, IFS, EMDR, CBT, DBT, and motivational interviewing. Therapy requires your active participation. There are no guarantees about specific outcomes. Temporary discomfort is a normal part of the process.

4. Confidentiality

Everything you share in therapy is confidential, except in the following circumstances required by law:

• You disclose a credible, specific threat of harm to an identifiable third party.
• There is reasonable cause to believe a child, elderly person, or person with a disability is being abused or neglected.
• You are at imminent risk of serious harm to yourself and cannot be kept safe through outpatient means.
• Records are subpoenaed by a court of competent jurisdiction.
• You provide written authorization for disclosure.

5. Telehealth

Telehealth sessions are conducted using HIPAA-compliant video platforms. At the start of each session, your therapist will confirm your physical location and emergency contact information.

6. Crisis and emergency response

7. Session length and cancellations

Standard individual sessions are 50–55 minutes. Please contact the Practice at least 24 hours in advance to cancel or reschedule.

8. Records

Records are maintained in a secure, HIPAA-compliant EHR for a minimum of seven years following the end of treatment.

9. Your rights as a client

• Be treated with dignity and respect
• Participate in decisions about your care
• Ask questions about your treatment at any time
• Decline specific interventions without ending treatment
• Receive culturally responsive, LGBTQ+-affirming, and neurodivergent-affirming care
• File a complaint with the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners

1. Session fees

Session fees are established at the time of intake based on service type and clinician licensure level. Payment is due at the time of service. Accepted payment methods include major credit and debit cards and HSA cards.

2. Late cancellation and no-show policy

3. Insurance billing

If using insurance, you authorize the Practice to verify benefits and submit claims. You remain responsible for all amounts not covered, including copays, coinsurance, deductibles, and services not covered. A clinical diagnosis will be included on all insurance submissions.

4. Self-pay clients

Self-pay clients may request a Good Faith Estimate prior to beginning services in accordance with the federal No Surprises Act.

5. Outstanding balances

Balances outstanding for more than 30 days may result in a hold on scheduling. Balances outstanding for more than 90 days may be referred to a collections process.

6. Minor clients

The parent or legal guardian who signs this consent is the financially responsible party for all services, regardless of any private arrangements between divorced or separated parents.

1. About the practice

Houston Heights Therapy PLLC is a licensed outpatient mental health group practice in Houston, Texas providing individual, group, and specialized therapy services to adults and adolescents.

2. Appointments and scheduling

Please contact the Practice at least 24 hours in advance to cancel or reschedule. Late cancel and no-show fees: LCSW $150, LMSW associate $100. These fees are not covered by insurance.

3. Communication

Administrative communication may be sent through the client portal, by phone, or by email. Clinical concerns should be addressed during scheduled sessions — your therapist is not available for ongoing clinical support through messaging.

4. Telehealth

Telehealth sessions are subject to the same policies as in-person sessions. Clients are responsible for ensuring a private environment. If you are located outside Texas during a telehealth session, notify your therapist in advance.

5. Minor clients

Clients between 13 and 17 are seen under a specialized minor client consent framework. Parents do not have automatic access to session content.

6. Termination

Clients may discontinue services at any time. The Practice asks that clients participate in a final session when possible so that termination can be clinically addressed and referrals made.

7. Complaints

Clients may speak directly with their therapist about concerns. They also have the right to file a complaint with the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners.