Policy

After an initial assessment meeting, you have the option of using my email services in the following ways:

1. During the weeks you have a session, copy me on your communication with the other parent to keep us in the loop of the current issues. You can only use this service if you have an appointment that week and there will be no charge for emails within the week of the appointment (Monday through Sunday).
2. When parents are emailing between each other, one or both may ask for advice from me alone, or initiate an email dialog between both parents and myself. You will be charged for this service according to your fee agreement and based on the time I spend on the emails. A minimum of 10 minutes will be charged on all communication. My regular fee for co-parenting is $150 for a 50 minute sessions, and I require a minimum of 10 minutes which will be $30. I will keep track of my time for reading any emails and my response to them. Anything over the 10 minutes, you will be charged $3 per minute.
3. The parent who initiates my email service will be responsible for the cost associated with that email and my reply. If the other parent does not wish to accumulate an email service cost, they can reply to the parent without copying me on their email.
4. Follow these rules of emailing please:

• a. Use only one topic per email and use the subject line to clearly but briefly state the topic of the email.
• b. Use the same thread to discuss the same topic. Start a new email if you are changing the topic or addressing a different issue.
• c. Respond to all emails promptly within the agreed time (24 to 48 hours).
• d. Keep your tone business like. No need to rehash anything about the past. Get to the point as brief as possible.

1. My fee for co-parenting counseling is $180 per session. You each will pay $90.
   
2. I will need to meet with each of you alone for one session and you will pay the full fee of $180.
   
3. Should I need to see either of you alone for any reason, that individual is responsible for the full fee.
4. Acceptable forms of payment are: cash, checks, all credit cards, or PayPal. Payment is customarily due at the end of each session, unless other arrangements have been made.
5. Sessions are 50 minutes long.
6. I require notice of cancellation on or before one business day prior to your session, or you will be charged for your full portion of the missed session.
7. I will provide support through email at no charge during the weeks we meet for a session. However, I ask that you communicate by email only when necessary or if an issue cannot wait. Furthermore, I ask that you keep your email communication brief and stay on point.
8. Should I be required to speak with a minor's counsel or other therapists on the phone, or if you need to talk with me on the phone between sessions, I will not charge for the first 5 minutes of a phone call. If the call exceeds 5 minutes, you will be charged according to our fee agreement.
9. If it is required that I speak to your attorney(s), you will be charged for that communication.
10. I will require a signed release from both parents in the first session in order to speak with a minor's counsel. I am prohibited by law from disclosing anything I have discussed with my clients to any third party unless I have received written, specific consent from BOTH of you.
11. Should it be necessary that I write any letters to the court, the fee for each letter is the same as the fee for a session and you will both split that cost. However, I would prefer not to provide written reports, and furthermore I will not make any direct recommendations to the court.
12. You are welcome to email me privately, should the situation demand it, but for the most part I ask that you "reply to all" when communicating through email. Since I am unaware of the communication dynamic between parents, your communication style will be the primary focus of our first session together.
13. It is outside of my scope of practice to discuss financial issues such as child support or spousal support, and I ask not to be copied on any emails regarding any financial matters.

Acknowledgement
By signing below, Client acknowledges that he/she has reviewed and fully understands the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Client has discussed such terms and conditions with Therapist, and has had any questions with regard to its terms and conditions answered to Client’s satisfaction. Client agrees to abide by the terms and conditions of this Agreement and consents to participate in Co-parenting Counseling. Moreover, client agrees to hold Therapist free and harmless from any claims, demands, or suits for damages from any injury or complications whatsoever, save negligence, that may result from such service.