Practice Policies

Policies & Procedures

Informed Consent for Assessment and Treatment

Informed Consent for Assessment and TreatmentAt Sound Choice Mental Health (SCMH), we are committed to providing compassionate, high-quality behavioral health services. This page outlines important information about your rights, the treatment process, and confidentiality.

Assessment and Treatment

You may be eligible for a range of services, which will be determined after an initial assessment and discussion with your provider. The goal of this assessment is to identify the most appropriate course of treatment, which typically takes place over several weeks.

You are encouraged to ask questions at any time during your care. You may also request an outside consultation. Your provider may offer additional information about treatment methods as needed, and you have the right to accept or decline any recommended treatment.

Treatment progress is reviewed regularly to ensure goals are being met. Active participation in both treatment and review is essential. While we strive for positive outcomes, no specific results can be guaranteed. You may choose to end treatment at any time, though we encourage discussing this decision with your provider first.

Confidentiality

Your privacy is important to us. Information shared during treatment is confidential and will not be released without your written consent, except in the following situations:

Risk of harm: If there is an immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, your provider is required to take steps to ensure safety.
Abuse or neglect: If there is suspicion of abuse or neglect involving a child, elder, or vulnerable adult, your provider is legally obligated to report it.
Court orders: If a valid court order requests your records, your provider must comply.

Please note that once information is shared with insurance companies or other third parties, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed by SCMH.

For more detailed information, please refer to our Notice of Privacy Practices. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns with your provider.

Initial Evaluation and Sessions Policy

Your first appointment at Sound Choice Mental Health (SCMH) is a 60-minute comprehensive evaluation. During this session, your provider will gather essential background information, establish an initial diagnosis, and work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan.

Before Your Appointment

To ensure a smooth and productive first visit, please complete all required intake forms through the patient portal within 2–3 days of scheduling. Incomplete paperwork may result in your appointment being rescheduled.

Be sure to include:

Details about past mental health providers
Your psychiatric history
A list of current and previous medications

Additional Information

In some cases—especially for adolescents—additional sessions or collateral input (e.g., from family members, schools, or other professionals) may be necessary to complete the evaluation.

A thorough assessment is the foundation for effective care, whether your treatment involves therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

Assessment and Treatment Process

You are encouraged to ask questions at any time during your care.
You may request an outside consultation if desired.
Your provider may offer additional information about treatment methods as needed.
You have the right to accept or decline any recommended treatment.

Treatment progress is reviewed regularly to ensure goals are being met. While we strive for positive outcomes, no specific results can be guaranteed. You may choose to end treatment at any time, though we encourage discussing this decision with your provider first.

Discontinuation of Services

At Sound Choice Mental Health (SCMH), we are committed to providing safe, respectful, and effective care. To maintain the highest standards, there are certain situations in which medication management services may be paused or discontinued. These include:

Extended Gaps in Care: If you have not been seen by your provider for six months or more, your treatment will be considered inactive, and services may be discontinued. Re-establishing care may require a new evaluation and is subject to provider availability.
Lack of Follow-Up: Missing multiple appointments or not maintaining regular contact with your provider.
Non-Adherence to Treatment: Repeatedly not taking medications as prescribed or declining necessary monitoring (such as lab work or therapy).
Inappropriate or Disruptive Behavior: Behavior that is threatening, aggressive, or disrespectful toward staff or providers.
Medication Misuse: Concerns about misuse, abuse, or diversion of prescribed medications.
Unresolved Billing Issues: Ongoing failure to address outstanding balances or make payments for services.
Loss of Contact: If we are unable to reach you after multiple attempts.
Clinical Needs Beyond Our Scope: If your care requires a higher level of support than SCMH can provide, we will help connect you with more appropriate resources.

Whenever possible, we will provide advance notice and assist with referrals to support a smooth transition in care.

Ending Services by the Patient

We understand that there may come a time when you choose to end your care at Sound Choice Mental Health (SCMH). You have the right to discontinue services at any time. If you decide to do so, we kindly ask that you:

Inform your provider, either during a session or through a secure message, so we can support a smooth and respectful transition.
Discuss your reasons, if you feel comfortable, to help us understand your experience and improve our services.

Credit Card Authorization for No-Show / Late Cancellation Policy

At Sound Choice Mental Health (SCMH), we are committed to providing high-quality care. To help us maintain this standard, the following actions may result in a fee:

Missing a scheduled appointment (no-show)
Arriving more than 10 minutes late
Canceling or rescheduling with less than 24 hours’ notice

These are considered no-shows or late cancellations and are subject to the following fees:

$125 for 30-minute medication management appointments
$250 for 60-minute medication management appointments
$125 for any psychotherapy sessions

With consent, SCMH will securely store a credit card on file. This card may also be used to cover missed appointment fees, co-pays, deductibles, or other charges for patient. If a payment is declined, all future appointments may be canceled until the balance is paid in full. Patients may not reschedule until all No-Show/Late Cancellation fees are paid.

Psychotherapy Policy

At Sound Choice Mental Health (SCMH), we are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment for psychotherapy. Our goal is to help you explore challenges, build resilience, and work toward meaningful personal growth.

What to Expect in Therapy

Psychotherapy is a collaborative process between you and your provider. Sessions typically occur weekly or biweekly and may focus on a range of concerns, including mood, anxiety, relationships, trauma, or life transitions. Your provider will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your goals and needs.

You are encouraged to:

Be open and honest in sessions
Ask questions about your treatment
Share feedback about what is or isn’t working
Actively participate in setting and reviewing goals

Confidentiality

Your privacy is a top priority. Information shared in therapy is confidential and will not be disclosed without your written consent, except in situations where disclosure is required by law (e.g., risk of harm to self or others, abuse, or court orders). Please refer to our Notice of Privacy Practices for more details.

Attendance and Engagement

Consistent attendance is important for progress in therapy. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please provide at least 24 hours’ notice. Repeated missed appointments, lack of engagement, or extended gaps in care (e.g., six months or more) may result in services being discontinued.

Ending Therapy

You may choose to end therapy at any time. We encourage you to discuss this decision with your provider so that we can support a thoughtful and respectful transition. If your provider determines that your needs would be better served by a different level or type of care, we will assist with appropriate referrals.

Medication Management Policy

At Sound Choice Mental Health (SCMH), we recognize that psychiatric medications can play a vital role in treating a variety of mental health conditions. When used appropriately and in combination with therapy, medications can significantly improve quality of life.

We offer an integrated approach, allowing many clients to receive both medication management and psychotherapy within our practice. Due to high demand, some clients may follow a split-treatment model, receiving therapy from an outside provider while continuing medication management with us. In such cases, we encourage collaboration between providers to ensure coordinated care.

What to Expect

When medication is recommended, your provider will:

Review your target symptoms and treatment goals
Discuss expected outcomes
Explain potential side effects, risks, benefits, and alternative options

We encourage open communication and active participation in your treatment decisions.

Ongoing Care Requirements

To ensure safe and effective treatment, regular follow-up appointments are required. If you go more than six months without being seen by your provider, your medication management services will be considered inactive, and your treatment may be discontinued. Re-establishing care after this period may require a new evaluation and is subject to provider availability.

Privacy & Release of Information

Please see our Privacy Practices page for more information.