Policies & Notices
Practice Information
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Carla Barnes LPC, PLLC & Associates provides professional counseling services to individuals, couples, families, and children. Our therapists are licensed mental health professionals in the State of Texas and follow professional and ethical standards established by their licensing boards.
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If you have questions about our policies or services, please contact our office.
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Notice of Privacy Practices
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Your privacy is important to us. As mental health professionals, we are required to protect the confidentiality of your personal health information in accordance with federal law under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
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This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can access this information.
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Information shared during counseling sessions is confidential and will not be disclosed without your written permission except in specific circumstances required by law. These exceptions may include:
• When there is reason to believe a client may harm themselves or others
• When there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elderly person, or vulnerable individual
• When records are requested through a valid court order or subpoena
• When otherwise required by law
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Clients have the right to request access to their records, request corrections, and receive information about how their information is used. A complete Notice of Privacy Practices is available upon request.
Practice Policies
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Appointments
Therapy sessions are typically 60 minutes in length unless otherwise arranged with your therapist.
Appointments may be scheduled through our office by phone, text, or through our online scheduling system.
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Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please notify our office at least 24 hours in advance. Late cancellations or missed appointments may be subject to a cancellation fee.
Communication
Communication between sessions may occur for scheduling or administrative purposes. Therapy-related concerns should generally be discussed during scheduled sessions so that your therapist can provide appropriate care and attention.
Emergency Situations
Our practice does not provide crisis or emergency services.
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911, contact your local emergency services, or go to the nearest emergency room.
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You may also contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.
Telehealth Services
Some therapists in our practice offer telehealth services. Telehealth sessions are conducted through secure platforms designed to protect client confidentiality.
Telehealth services are available only to clients physically located within the state of Texas at the time of the session, as required by licensing regulations.
Professional Credentials
All therapists within Carla Barnes LPC, PLLC & Associates hold professional licenses or associate licenses issued by the State of Texas.
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Associate therapists work under clinical supervision as required by state licensing rules. When applicable, associate credentials will be clearly listed with their supervising clinician.
Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC)
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The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council regulates licensed professional counselors and investigates complaints regarding licensed mental health professionals.
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If you have a concern about a licensed professional, you may contact BHEC using the information below.
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Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council
George H.W. Bush State Office Building
1801 Congress Ave., Suite 7.300
Austin, Texas 78701
Phone: (512) 305-7700
Website: https://bhec.texas.gov
Questions
If you have questions about these policies or would like additional information, please contact our office.
We are happy to assist you.