Informed Consent
General
The therapeutic relationship is unique because it is highly personal. At the same time, it’s a contractual agreement. Therefore it is important to reach a clear understanding about how the relationship will work, and what each party can expect. This consent will provide a clear framework for our work together. Feel free to discuss any of this with your consult clinician or matched clinician.
Two Chairs Notice of Privacy Practices, Two Chairs Practice Policies, as well as applicable Federal and State laws, apply to both in-office and teletherapy services, regardless of modality.
The Therapeutic Process
You have taken a very positive step by deciding to seek therapy. The outcome of treatment depends largely on your willingness to engage in this process. Sometimes, the process may result in considerable discomfort. Remembering unpleasant events and becoming aware of feelings attached to those events can bring on strong feelings of anger, depression, anxiety, etc. There are no miracle cures. Two Chairs cannot promise that your behavior or circumstances will change. Two Chairs can promise to support you and do our very best to understand you and your repeating patterns, and help you clarify what it is you want for yourself.
Confidentiality
The therapy session content and all relevant materials to your treatment will be kept confidential unless you request in writing to have all or portions of session content released to specifically named person(s).
Limitations of such client held privilege of confidentiality exist and are listed below:
- If a client threatens or attempts suicide or otherwise conducts him/her self in a manner in which there is a substantial risk of incurring serious bodily harm.
- If a client threatens grave bodily harm or death to another person.
- Clinicians are mandated reporters and must report for legal or ethical reasons. This includes suspected child abuse or neglect or suspected abuse or neglect of elders and dependent adults. Suspected abuse includes, but is not limited to, physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuses. Reporting requirements vary by state. If you have questions regarding the mandatory reporting statutes for your state, please speak with your clinician or click here.
- If a court of law issues a legitimate subpoena for information stated on the subpoena.
- If a client is in therapy or being treated by order of a court of law, or if information is obtained for the purpose of rendering an expert’s report to an attorney.
Occasionally, your clinician may need to speak with other professionals in their areas of expertise in order to provide the best treatment for you. Information about you may be shared in this context without using your name.
If you and your clinician see each other accidentally outside of the therapy office, they will not acknowledge you first. Your right to privacy and confidentiality is extremely important to Two Chairs, and we do not wish to risk your privacy. However, if you acknowledge your clinician first, they will be more than happy to speak briefly with you. But, it would not be appropriate to engage in any lengthy discussions in public or outside of the therapy office.
No one is permitted to record a session. This includes, but is not limited to, audio recordings, video recordings, and artificial intelligence (AI) tools for capturing and processing content. Any attempt to do so may result in the immediate ending of your session.
Benefits of Therapy
- A safe space to explore thoughts, feelings, and concerns.
- Develop coping strategies to help handle difficult situations.
- Improve quality of life through self-awareness and self-exploration.
Potential Risks of Therapy
- May cause you to experience uncomfortable or unpleasant feelings.
- Symptoms may worsen before improving.
Teletherapy
Teletherapy is the provision of psychotherapy services provided digitally. This typically happens via secure video conference but in some circumstances via phone. Teletherapy offers a highly effective option to continue care when in-person care is not possible or not preferred. You are not required to receive services via telehealth.
Benefits of Teletherapy
- Easier access to care; easier to continue care.
- Convenience of meeting from your desired location (restrictions may apply based on federal, state, or local laws). For more information, please contact support@twochairs.com or your clinician directly.
Potential Risks of Teletherapy
- Interruptions, background noise, or technical difficulties.
- Unauthorized access to your health information if you are not in a private room or location.
- If there is a crisis during your session, your clinician will not be in the same location as you.
Questions
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Informed Consent to Treatment, please speak to your clinician or email support@twochairs.com. Our Care Team is available to assist you M-F, 9am-5pm ET, 9am-5pm PT.
If you are experiencing an emergency, crisis, or need immediate assistance, please call 911 or the National Crisis Hotline at 988, or go to your nearest emergency room.
Additional crisis resources can be found at https://twochairs.com/crisis-resources/
State Appendix
Licensed professionals practicing therapy for a fee must be credentialed with the appropriate state licensing board for the protection of the public health and safety. Credentialing of an individual with the state licensing board does not include recognition of any practice standards, nor does it imply the effectiveness of any treatment.
Complaints against licensees, registrants, and certificate holders should be submitted to the appropriate state board. Complaints must be submitted in writing, either by mail or electronically through the board's online complaint form, if available.
State Appendix