The following policies govern administrative aspects of your care at Pasadena Clinical Group. They are designed to keep our practice running smoothly so that your clinical work can stay clinical. Please review them and bring any questions to your clinician.
1. Cancellation and no-show policy
We require 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations (less than 24 hours) and no-shows are billed at the standard self-pay session rate, regardless of insurance — most insurance plans do not reimburse for missed sessions. We make exceptions for genuine emergencies and illness; please tell us.
2. Lateness
If you arrive late, your session will end at its originally scheduled time so the clinician can stay on time for the next client. Sessions cancelled by the clinician for any reason are rescheduled or refunded.
3. Communication outside session
Routine messages (scheduling, billing, brief check-ins) typically receive a response within one business day. Clinical questions are addressed in session — we do not provide therapy via email or text. For after-hours mental health emergencies, call 988 or 911; we do not provide 24/7 crisis services.
4. Court appearances and legal matters
Our clinicians prefer not to participate in legal proceedings (custody disputes, depositions, expert testimony) because such involvement can compromise the clinical relationship. If your clinician is compelled by subpoena or court order, you will be billed at the standard court-appearance rate listed in your fee agreement, including travel and waiting time, with a minimum half-day charge.
5. Termination
You may end therapy at any time. Your clinician may also recommend ending or transferring care if (a) you have met your goals, (b) your clinical needs exceed our scope and a different level of care is indicated, or (c) the clinician is no longer practicing or available. We provide a continuity-of-care transition in all cases. Termination for non-payment occurs only after good-faith collection efforts and written notice; clients in active crisis are stabilized first.
6. Social media and dual relationships
To preserve the clinical relationship, our clinicians do not "friend," follow, or otherwise engage with current or former clients on personal social media. Public reviews are not solicited and we cannot acknowledge whether a reviewer is a client (HIPAA limits that). Our clinicians follow APA and California ethics codes regarding multiple relationships and avoid them when reasonably possible.
7. Gifts
While we appreciate the gesture, our clinicians cannot accept gifts of significant value. Token gifts of nominal value (a card, a small handmade item) may be accepted at the clinician's discretion when accepting them would not impair clinical judgment.
8. Children and pets
Children may not be left unattended in the waiting area. Service animals are welcome; non-service animals are not, due to allergies and clinical environment.
9. Recording sessions
Sessions may not be recorded by either party without explicit, written, advance consent. Unauthorized recording is grounds for termination of services.
10. Inclement weather and emergencies
If our office is closed for weather, public health, or safety reasons, we will notify scheduled clients by phone or text and reschedule at no charge. Telehealth remains available in most office-closure situations.