Confidentiality & Privacy Policy
The law protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission.
Exceptions for the state of Tennessee include:
- Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse, for which I am required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
- If a client intends to harm himself or herself, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, I will take further measures without their permission that are provided to me by law in order to ensure their safety.
- A judge issues a court order to see progress notes.
Payment and Cancellation Policy
All payments must be made at the beginning of each session. A credit card will be kept on file in the case of cancellations within 24 hours of a session and no-shows. Clients will be charged the full session fee for any cancellations within 24 hours of a session or no-shows. If Dr. Efferson has to cancel an appointment within 24 hours of a session, the client's next session will be comped.