SHEPHERD’S TOUCH POLICIES

SERVICES

            We welcome you as a recipient of services from Shepherd’s Touch, which is a non-profit counseling ministry, providing Biblically-based counseling. Our counselors cannot assume responsibility for client’s day-to-day functioning, so in the event of an emergency, please call Crisis Intervention at (717) 394-2631.

CONFIDENTIALITY

            All counseling communications, records, and contacts with Shepherd’s Touch clients will be held in strict confidence. Information may be released, in accordance with state law, only when:

1. The client signs a written release of information indicating informed consent to such release.

2. The counselor believes the client to be at risk of harming himself/herself or someone else.

3. There is evidence or reasonable suspicion of abuse against a minor child, elder person, or dependent adult.

4. A court ordered subpoena is received directing the disclosure of information. 

5. The counselor consults with a supervisor or other therapist within Shepherd’s Touch to clarify treatment plans, procedures, and quality of care. Each therapist is bound by the same rules of confidentiality.

FEE POLICIES

· The fee for our counseling service is $90.00 for a 50-minute session. Payment is due at time of service.

· It is our desire to minister to people, regardless of their ability to pay. Therefore we offer services on a “sliding scale” through our Compassionate Care Fund. You may request an application.

· For possible insurance use, call the 800 number on the back of your insurance card and ask if you have any out-of-network benefits for mental health care. If you have coverage, we will be glad to provide you with coded receipts that you may submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement.

· Churches, family members, close friends and employers have all helped sponsor clients at Shepherd’s Touch. We are happy to bill third parties who have agreed to cover some or all of a client’s counseling.

· In order to be good stewards of our time and resources, we ask that you let us know as soon as possible if you cannot keep your scheduled appointment. If you do not cancel an appointment at least 24 hours in advance, you will be charged 50% of your regular fee. Emergency situations are considered.

· Counselors may make brief phone calls (about 10 minutes or less) to clients, but extended conversations will need to be billed as a phone session.

YOUR COUNSELOR

            Information about your specific counselor will be included here on the version of this form that you sign at your intake appointment.