Terms & Conditions

Agreement to Terms

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") constitute a legal agreement between you (the "Client") and Steady Wellness Therapy, operated by Kate Steadman, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) ("Therapist," "we," "our," or "us"). By scheduling an appointment, attending a session, or using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms.

If you do not agree with these Terms, you must not use our services. These Terms should be read in conjunction with our Privacy Policy and Notice of Privacy Practices.

Services Provided

Steady Wellness Therapy provides professional mental health counseling and psychotherapy services via secure telehealth platforms. Our services include but are not limited to:

• Individual therapy for children, adolescents, and adults
• Couples and family counseling
• LGBTQ+ affirming therapy
• Trauma-informed care and PTSD treatment
• Psychological assessments and treatment planning
• Crisis intervention (within scope of practice and availability)

All services are provided in accordance with applicable state laws, professional ethical standards, and the scope of practice for Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors in the jurisdiction where services are provided.

Eligibility and Consent

Age Requirements

• Adult clients (18 years and older) may consent to their own treatment
• Minors (under 18 years) require parental or legal guardian consent to receive services
• Emancipated minors may provide their own consent in accordance with applicable state law

Informed Consent

By engaging our services, you consent to mental health treatment and acknowledge that you have been informed about:

• The nature and purpose of therapy
• The therapist's qualifications and approach to treatment
• The potential benefits and risks of therapy
• Your rights as a client, including confidentiality and its limits
• Alternative treatment options available
• Your right to refuse or discontinue treatment at any time

Location Requirements

Due to licensing restrictions, services are only available to clients physically located in states where the therapist is licensed to practice at the time of the session. You must inform us of your physical location at the beginning of each telehealth session, and you agree not to travel to other states during active sessions.

Telehealth Services Agreement

Nature of Telehealth

Telehealth involves the delivery of mental health services via secure video conferencing technology. By using our telehealth services, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

• Technology Requirements: You are responsible for obtaining and maintaining compatible technology, including a reliable internet connection, webcam, and microphone
• Technical Issues: Technical difficulties may occasionally interrupt sessions. We will attempt to reconnect or reschedule if significant disruption occurs
• Privacy of Location: You must participate in sessions from a private, confidential location where you will not be overheard or interrupted
• Security Limitations: While we use HIPAA-compliant platforms, no electronic communication is completely secure. There is a risk of security breach despite reasonable safeguards
• Not for Emergencies: Telehealth is not appropriate for emergency situations. In case of emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room

Client Responsibilities for Telehealth

• Provide accurate emergency contact information and your current physical address
• Inform the therapist of anyone else present in the room during sessions
• Test technology before scheduled appointments
• Ensure adequate lighting and minimize background noise and distractions
• Refrain from recording sessions without prior written consent
• Participate in sessions while sober and able to engage meaningfully

Payment and Cancellation Policy

Fees and Payment

Current fees for services will be provided during the initial consultation. Payment terms include:

• Payment is due at the time of service unless alternative arrangements have been made in advance
• We accept major credit cards, debit cards, and certain insurance plans
• Clients are responsible for any copayments, deductibles, or amounts not covered by insurance
• A valid payment method must be kept on file
• Fees are subject to change with advance notice

Insurance

If you are using insurance, you are responsible for understanding your coverage, benefits, and any limitations. We will submit claims on your behalf as a courtesy, but insurance reimbursement is an agreement between you and your insurance company. You are ultimately responsible for payment of any services rendered that are not covered by your insurance.

Cancellation and No-Show Policy

Emergency Exceptions: We understand that true emergencies occur. If you experience a genuine emergency that prevents you from attending or cancelling in advance, please contact us as soon as possible to discuss the situation.

Late Arrival Policy

If you arrive late to a session, we will provide service for the remaining scheduled time. The full session fee will be charged regardless of late arrival. Sessions cannot be extended beyond the scheduled time due to late arrival.

Confidentiality and HIPAA

Your privacy is protected by federal and state confidentiality laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Information shared in therapy sessions is confidential and will not be disclosed without your written authorization, except in the following legally mandated or permitted circumstances:

• Imminent Danger: If you present a clear and imminent danger to yourself or others, we are legally required to take protective action, which may include notifying appropriate authorities and potential victims
• Abuse or Neglect: Suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elderly person, or dependent adult must be reported to appropriate protective services
• Court Orders: In response to a valid court order or subpoena, limited information may be disclosed as legally required
• Healthcare Operations: Information may be shared with business associates who assist with billing, quality assurance, or other operational functions under HIPAA-compliant agreements
• Treatment Coordination: With your authorization, we may communicate with other healthcare providers involved in your care

For complete information about how your health information is used and protected, please review our Notice of Privacy Practices and Privacy Policy.

A2P Messaging Terms

Text Message Communications

By providing your mobile phone number, you consent to receive Application-to-Person (A2P) text messages from Steady Wellness Therapy for the following purposes:

• Appointment reminders and confirmations
• Schedule changes or cancellations
• Administrative notifications (payment confirmations, forms, etc.)
• Practice updates and important announcements

Email Communications

Email is used for administrative purposes and general communications. Standard email is not a secure form of communication. We will not discuss clinical information in detail via unencrypted email. For secure communication regarding sensitive health information, we use encrypted platforms or our secure patient portal.

Professional Boundaries

To maintain appropriate therapeutic relationships and professional boundaries:

• Therapy is a professional relationship focused on your mental health needs
• Social or business relationships outside of therapy (dual relationships) are not appropriate and will be avoided
• Gifts beyond minimal value cannot be accepted
• Social media connections and communications with clients are not permitted
• Contact between sessions should be limited to scheduling and brief administrative matters
• The therapist will not provide services while impaired by substances or personal issues

Emergency Services and Crisis Management

The therapist may not be immediately available between scheduled sessions. If you need to contact the therapist between sessions for non-emergency matters, you may leave a message via phone or email. Non-emergency messages will typically be returned within 24-48 business hours.

Limitation of Liability

While we strive to provide high-quality professional services, therapy outcomes cannot be guaranteed. By using our services, you acknowledge and agree to the following limitations:

• No Guarantee of Results: The therapist cannot guarantee specific outcomes or results from therapy. Outcomes depend on many factors, including your active participation and circumstances beyond the therapist's control
• Technology Limitations: We are not liable for technology failures, internet disruptions, or security breaches that are beyond our reasonable control
• Third-Party Services: We are not responsible for the practices or performance of third-party service providers (telehealth platforms, payment processors, etc.)
• Scope of Practice: Services are provided within the scope of practice for Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors. We do not provide medical treatment, prescribe medication, or diagnose physical conditions
• Liability Cap: To the fullest extent permitted by law, our total liability for any claims arising from services shall not exceed the amount you paid for services during the 12 months preceding the claim

Nothing in these Terms shall limit liability for gross negligence, willful misconduct, fraud, or matters that cannot be limited by law.

Termination of Services

Client-Initiated Termination

You have the right to discontinue therapy at any time. We encourage you to discuss your decision with the therapist to ensure appropriate closure and, if needed, referral to other providers. Outstanding balances must be paid even if you discontinue services.

Therapist-Initiated Termination

The therapist may terminate services under certain circumstances, including but not limited to:

• Non-payment for services after reasonable attempts to collect
• Repeated missed appointments or failure to cancel appointments appropriately
• Completion of treatment goals
• Client needs are outside the therapist's scope of practice or expertise
• Conflict of interest or dual relationship concerns arise
• Threats, harassment, or abusive behavior toward the therapist
• Client is not benefiting from services or is not actively participating
• Client requires a higher or different level of care than can be provided

In the event of therapist-initiated termination, appropriate notice will be provided when clinically and ethically appropriate, and referrals to alternative providers will be offered.

Record Retention

Clinical records are maintained in accordance with state law and professional standards. Records for adult clients are retained for a minimum of seven years after the last date of service. Records for minors are retained until the client reaches the age of majority plus the required retention period. After the retention period, records are securely destroyed.

Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. Material changes will be communicated to active clients via email or through our secure patient portal. Changes become effective upon posting to our website unless otherwise specified. Your continued use of services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms are governed by the laws of the state in which services are provided, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising from these Terms or services provided shall first be attempted to be resolved through good faith negotiation. If negotiation fails, disputes may be resolved through mediation or arbitration before resorting to litigation.

Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary so that these Terms shall otherwise remain in full force and effect.

Contact Information

For questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact: