Privacy Policy

Consent to Participate in Counseling

Counseling is a professional, collaborative relationship built on trust, clearly defined roles, and mutual responsibilities. As a client, it is important to understand your rights, your responsibilities, and the legal limitations that may apply to counseling services.

Therapy involves both benefits and potential risks. Some sessions may include discussions of difficult or distressing experiences, which can result in temporary emotional discomfort. However, counseling has been shown to be beneficial for many individuals, including:

Reduced emotional distress
Improved interpersonal relationships
Increased self-awareness and insight
Enhanced coping and stress-management skills
Support in resolving personal or professional challenges

While positive outcomes are common, results cannot be guaranteed. Counseling is most effective when clients actively engage in the process.

Confidentiality and Its Limits

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of counseling services. Information shared during sessions is protected by law and ethical standards. However, there are specific situations in which confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. These include:

Suspected or witnessed child abuse, or belief that a child is in imminent danger
Suspected or witnessed elder abuse, or belief that an elderly person is in imminent danger
Suspected or witnessed abuse of a disabled person, or belief that a disabled person is in imminent danger
Threats of suicide or homicide, at which point appropriate authorities will be contacted to prevent harm
A court order or properly issued subpoena
A request from a State Licensing Agency for records, solely for the purpose of ensuring professional compliance

Except as outlined above, no information related to treatment or records will be released without written authorization from the client.

Fees, Records, and Complaints

Fees

Individual sessions are $100 per session.

A 3% convinience fee will be added for credit or debit cards kept on file.

I do not accept insurance. Sliding scale pricing is available for those who qualify.

Cancelation Policy

Appointments cancelled within 24 hours or less of the scheduled sessions will be charged a $50 cancellation fee.

Clients who do not attend their session without prior notice will be charged a $50 no-show fee.

Records

If you would like a copy of your client records, please submit your request via email to: sarah@velasquezcounseling.com

Complaints and State Reporting

If you believe there is a concern that should be reported to the state, you may submit a complaint to the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) by email or mail:

Email: Enforcement@bhec.texas.gov
Mail:
1801 Congress Avenue, Suite 7.300
Austin, Texas 78701

The complaint form and additional information are available at:
https://bhec.texas.gov/complaints-enforcement-faqs/

You may also report consumer concerns to the Texas Attorney General’s Office.
Information and the consumer complaint form can be found at:
https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection/file-consumer-complaint