Client consent documents
These are the three documents every client reads and signs before their first session. Read each one carefully — clients will ask you about fees, cancellations, confidentiality, and their rights, and you need to know these documents cold.
Expand each document to read it. Check it off when done. When all three are checked, return to the onboarding checklist.
Informed consent for therapy services
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.
If your therapist is an LMSW associate, your case may be discussed in clinical supervision as required by Texas law.
5. Telehealth services
Telehealth sessions are conducted using HIPAA-compliant video platforms. At the start of each telehealth session, your therapist will confirm your physical location and emergency contact information.
6. Crisis and emergency response
This practice provides outpatient therapy services only. Your therapist is not available 24 hours per day.
7. Session length and frequency
Standard individual therapy sessions are 50 to 55 minutes. EMDR and other specialized sessions may be longer by prior arrangement.
8. Appointments and cancellations
Please contact the Practice at least 24 hours in advance to cancel or reschedule.
| Clinician | Late cancel / no-show fee |
|---|---|
| LCSW sessions (Joseph Lenhoff, LCSW-S) | $150 |
| LMSW associate sessions | $100 |
These fees are not billable to insurance and are the client's direct responsibility.
9. Communication between sessions
Your therapist does not provide ongoing therapy or crisis support through messaging. Clinical concerns shared between sessions will be addressed at your next appointment.
10. Records
Records are maintained in a secure, HIPAA-compliant EHR. Records are retained for a minimum of seven years following the end of treatment, or seven years after a minor client reaches age 18.
11. Social media
Your therapist will not accept friend or connection requests on personal social media.
12. Termination
You have the right to discontinue therapy at any time. When possible, termination will be a collaborative process that includes a final session and referrals as appropriate.
13. 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
Informed consent of financial responsibility
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 forms of payment include major credit and debit cards and HSA cards.
2. Late cancellation and no-show policy
The Practice requires at least 24 hours advance notice to cancel or reschedule.
| Appointment type | Fee |
|---|---|
| LCSW sessions | $150 |
| LMSW associate sessions | $100 |
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. If you receive a bill substantially higher than your GFE, you have the right to dispute the bill.
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. This applies regardless of any private arrangements between divorced or separated parents.
Practice policies
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 cancellation and no-show fees: LCSW $150, LMSW associate $100. Repeated missed appointments may affect continued access to services.
3. Communication
Administrative communication may be sent through the client portal, by phone, or by email. Response times are typically within one to two business days. Clinical concerns should be addressed during scheduled sessions.
4. Telehealth services
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, please notify your therapist in advance.
5. Fees and payment
Session fees are established at intake and may be updated with 30 days notice. Outstanding balances not resolved within 30 days may result in suspension of scheduling.
6. Insurance and billing
Clients are responsible for verifying their own insurance benefits. Insurance coverage does not guarantee payment. A clinical diagnosis will be included on insurance claims. Self-pay rates are available for clients who choose not to use insurance.
7. Minor clients
Clients between the ages of 13 and 17 are seen under a specialized minor client consent framework. Parent or legal guardian involvement is required prior to initiation of services. Parents do not have automatic access to session content.
8. Termination of services
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.
9. Social media and online presence
Practice clinicians do not engage in personal social media contact with current or former clients. Connection requests will not be accepted.
10. Complaints and concerns
Clients who have concerns about their care are encouraged to speak directly with their therapist. Clients also have the right to file a complaint with the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners.
Read all three documents?
Head back to your onboarding checklist and check off items 1–3.