Terms of Service
Mission:
To be a standard of excellence in providing trauma informed co-occurring disorder counseling services to the individual, community and state.
Vision:
To create a safe, inclusive therapeutic environment based on our values and trauma-informed care that promotes healing, growth, and well-being.
Values:
Collaboration – An environment of collaboration is fueled through person-centered treatment as well as through team and supervision meetings that emphasize the value placed on the thoughts, ideas, feelings, and needs of others.
Transparency – Transparency and informed consent about clinical and business practices with clients and staff is essential to building an environment of safety, and freedom of choice.
Communication – Creating an environment of open communication allows clients and staff to feel valued and heard and is the foundation for the other values.
Autonomy – Respecting each client and staff member for their inherent right to self-govern and to create an environment that encourages clients and staff to make choices that are in line with their best interests and values.
Location of Services:
All in person services will take place at 5970 Fairview Road, suite 715, Charlotte, NC 28210. All telehealth services must be provided with clients who are located within the state of North Carolina, unless telehealth laws allow otherwise, or the clinician is licensed in the state the client resides. Kristin is licensed in the state of SC as well.
Scope of services provided:
Trauma informed group and individual counseling services for clients 15 years of age and older with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Specialties of practice include trauma informed treatment such as EMDR, as well as working with professionals.
Types of Services:
Individual counseling, group counseling, intensives, clinical supervision and workshops.
Treatment Philosophy:
In order to facilitate the therapeutic process the therapists at Silver Lining Counseling use a variety of theories including person centered, cognitive behavioral, motivational interviewing, stages of change, addiction theory, family systems, dialectical behavioral therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). The therapists at Silver Lining believe in the philosophy that it is important to identify and treat co-occurring mental health disorders at the same time as a substance use disorder.
Treatment of Substance Use Disorders:
The therapists at Silver Lining Counseling are trained in the abstinence or disease model of treating substance use disorders and believe that complete abstinence from all mood altering substances -- whether the client believes that a substance contributes to or affects the addictive concerns bringing them to therapy -- is the most effective way to treat a substance use disorder. If a client who has been diagnosed with a substance use disorder (whether moderate or severe) is not able or willing to maintain abstinence during individual therapy, it is the therapists ethical responsibility to refer that client to a higher level of care and terminate the therapy relationship with that client according to the termination policy.
EMDR (Eye-Momement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Before beginning EMDR, the patient will be required to sign an additional consent regarding the technique and any associated risks and benefits.
The Therapeutic Process - Risks and Benefits of Therapy
The therapists will help the client facilitate a journey of self-exploration that will touch on every part of their life. Aspects of therapy could include: spirituality, stress management, relationships, emotional well-being, grief, communication skills, nutrition and physical exercise, cognitions, and self-help support groups. The therapeutic relationship consists of compassion, confidentiality, collaboration, trust, honesty, respect, and professionalism. As part of a collaborative process with the therapist, treatment goals for the therapeutic process will be formulated. During this process of personal exploration, the client may experience significant change in him/her which may result in changes or conflicts in the home and professional environment. It is important to note that there is no such thing as a “cure” in the therapeutic process, and that as the client explores new parts of themselves they may be confronted with feelings that may be uncomfortable or emotionally painful. The client should understand that in order for authentic change to take place, honest disclosure is a necessity.
Collaboration with Other Providers
It is in the clients best interest that the therapist collaborate with other providers involved in the clients care, as this helps facilitate the healing process. If a client is working with a psychiatrist, engaged in an additional treatment program or seeing another mental health professional, the therapist does require that a release of information be completed at the beginning of treatment so that collaboration of care can take place between the therapist and the the other provider.
Teletherapy
The therapist can provide therapy by phone or video if needed or requested by the client. It is required that the client is physically located in the state the therapist is licensed in in order to engage in teletherapy. The client is responsible for ensuring they are in a confidential and safe place to conduct teletherapy. The client is expected to behave in appropriate ways during a teletherapy session, and the therapist reserves the right to terminate the teletherapy session and therapy relationship if the client does display inappropriate or reckless behavior during the teletherapy session. A HIPAA compliant teletherapy system through our electronic health record system is used for video sessions. If a client does want to do teletherapy, they are required to sign an additional consent form.
Termination
Termination of the treatment relationship is an inevitable and natural process. Termination is a collaborative process between client and counselor. The termination process takes place when; the client has decided they have reached maximum potential and have met their treatment goals, if the counselor feels that she can no longer be of service to the client, if the client can no longer afford counseling services, and if the client does not return to counseling.
The therapist also reserves the right to terminate the therapy relationship if the client is exhibiting behaviors that go outside the bounds of the professional relationship. These behaviors include but are not limited to: using inappropriate or violent language directed at the therapist, repeatedly contacting the therapist outside the permitted hours, or coming to sessions intoxicated.
Additionally, the therapist also reserves the right to terminate the therapy relationship and a teletherapy session if the client is exhibiting reckless or inappropriate behavior during a teletherapy session. These behaviors include but are not limited to: driving while on a video call or being intoxicated during a teletherapy session.
If the therapist feels they can no longer be of service to the client, the therapist will provide referrals to the client for other treatment providers and will assist in that transition if needed. If the client is experiencing financial hardship and can no longer continue therapy, the therapist will provide referrals and help the client with the transition to another therapist. Frequent cancellations and no shows can also result in termination. Please see additional information under the cancellations section.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is the most important aspect of the therapeutic relationship. Each client can expect that all communication that takes place between client and therapist, in the context of the therapeutic relationship will remain confidential. The therapist will not disclose any confidential communication to a third party unless asked to by the client, or unless required by a court of law. However, there are some exceptions and limitations to confidentiality. As a helping professional, it is the therapists moral and ethical obligation to break confidentiality if the client is a danger to him/herself or society, and/or if there is any indication of child or elder abuse. Confidentiality will also be broken if required by a court of law and if a client files a complaint against the therapist or seeks legal action because of suggested psychological harm. When disclosure is required by a court of law and when a statute exists, confidential communication may be deemed privileged and not required to be disclosed. However, the concept of privileged communication does not apply to group, family or couples therapy when a third party is present. Additionally, the therapist engages in routine supervision and consultation, which means the therapist will be sharing aspects of client cases with a supervision group in order to improve the quality of treatment provided to clients.
Upon entering group, couples, or family therapy, clients will sign an additional confidentiality agreement to ensure information disclosed in therapy will remain confidential; however group members must be aware that the therapist cannot guarantee that all group members will uphold confidentiality. Additionally, when required by a court of law, group members will be required to disclose communication that took place in therapy.
Client Records
The therapist will keep electronic progress notes of each client. These records will be utilized by the therapist to provide thorough and complete services to the client. The client has the right to see these records, and have them explained if needed. In the case of a referral, and only with client consent, certain information in the records will be disclosed to the next service provider. The electronic medical records system is secured and HIPAA compliant.
Length and Costs of Services
Individual sessions are 55 minutes long. The self-pay rate for individual sessions is $225 per 55 minute session. Please inquire as to the cost of other services such as 90 minute sessions, workshops or intensives.
Financial Policies
Silver Lining Counseling does not file health insurance and is considered an out of network provider. Payment in full for the intake/initial session is required within 24 hours of scheduling to secure your appointment time. The credit card number on file will be charged within 24 hours of the initial appointment being scheduled, following each session and if there is a no show or a late cancellation. If there is a no show or late cancellation, the charge is the full session fee of $225. If you would like to add a new credit card to your account, please do so in the portal before the session or inform your therapist that you would like to use another form of payment at the beginning of the session.
Payment is due at the time of service. Credit cards, debit cards and HSA cards are accepted forms of payment. If a client is using an HSA card, another credit card must also be added in the case that the HSA card has run out of funds. The client will be charged for a full session fee if the appointment is not cancelled within 48 hours, or for a no show. Forms, letters, and reports may be subject to an administrative charge.
Cancellations
The therapist understands that emergencies or conflicts can arise that prevent you from coming to your appointment. However, Silver Lining Counseling does require 48 hours’ notice if canceling your appointment so that the therapist can offer that time to another client. As stated above, if not given 48 hours’ notice of a cancellation, the credit card on file will be charged for the session fee of $225. If canceling or no shows become a pattern, the therapist reserves the right to terminate the therapeutic relationship. Successful therapeutic outcomes require that a client is consistent and attends their scheduled sessions.
Intoxication Policies
Silver Lining Counseling asks that clients do not come to therapy under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In order for effective evaluation and treatment to take place, the client must be sober. If the therapist feels that a client is under the influence of a substance, and is not safe to operate a motor vehicle, the therapist will ask for the clients car keys and ask the client to call a friend/uber for transportation. If the client refuses to give their keys to the therapist and drive under the influence, the therapist has a legal duty to call 911 and inform the authorities that the client is driving under the influence.
Medicare Eligible Clients
Medicare eligible clients are required to sign a private contract with the therapist. This private contract agreement is between the therapist and client. The client is a Medicare Part B beneficiary and is seeking services covered under Medicare Part B. This therapist has informed the beneficiary or his/her legal representative they have opted‐out of the Medicare Program.
After-hours emergencies
If the client has an emergency situation, they should call 911 and go to the nearest hospital emergency room. It is important for the client to know that Silver Lining Counseling is NOT a crisis/emergency service. The hours of operation of Silver Lining Counseling is 8am-5pm Monday through Friday. If the client needs to reach the therapist after hours, they can leave a message on the therapists voicemail and the therapist will return the call at their earliest convenience. It may take the therapist up to 3 days to return the phone call if it is over a weekend, or longer if the therapist is on vacation. If the therapist goes on vacation, they will provide emergency numbers on their voicemail.
Grievances
If a client feels that the therapist has not acted ethically and morally, has failed to put the best interests of the client first, and has failed to uphold the American Counseling Association’s Code of Ethics, then the client should discuss these concerns with the therapist. The client can also file a complaint against the therapist. Written complaints should be submitted to the North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors, PO Box 77819, Greensboro, NC 27417. For more information, clients can call the North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors at 844-622-3572
I understand that Silver Lining Counseling, PLLC is not a crisis agency. The office is closed evenings, weekends, and holidays. I understand that if I need immediate care, I will call 911, my psychiatrist on call or the mental health emergency number for my area. The number for the Behavioral Health Helpline in Charlotte is 704-444-2400
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS:
Behavioral Health Helpline (Charlotte) 704-444-2400
North Carolina Suicide and Crisis Hotline 800-233-6834
Alcoholics Anonymous Hotline 704-332-4387
Narcotics Anonymous Hotline 800-711-6375
Victim Assistance Services 704-336-2190
24 Hour Rape Crisis Hotline 704-375-9900
The Relatives (24 Hour Youth Shelter ages 7-17) 704-377-0602
The Shelter for Battered Women 704-332-2513