POLICIES

SERVICES

Welcome to Lynne Babbitt Counseling Services, providing practical, holistic, professional counseling for adults, adolescents, couples, and families. I am passionate about helping others overcome challenges to achieve personal growth and fulfilling relationships. I cannot assume responsibility for clients’ day-to-day functioning, so in the event of an emergency, please call Crisis Intervention at (717) 394-2631 or go to the E.R. 

CONFIDENTIALITY

All counseling communications, records, and contacts with 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.

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

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

4.                   A court-ordered subpoena directs the disclosure of information in court. 

FEE POLICIES

· The fee for counseling services is $75.00 for a 45-minute session. Payment is due at time of service.

· It is my desire to minister to people, regardless of their ability to pay. Therefore I try to offer services on a “sliding scale”
  when necessary and appropriate.

· Churches, family members, close friends and employers have all helped sponsor clients to receive counseling. I am 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 my time and resources, I ask that you let me know as soon as possible if you cannot keep your
  scheduled appointment. You may leave a message on my private cell at 717-413-4404 or email me at lynnebabbitt@hotmail.com.
  Same-day cancellations (except for emergencies) will be a billed session.

· I am happy to answer brief phone calls and emails (about 10 minutes or less) to clients, but extended conversations will need
  to be billed as a phone session.

COUNSELOR                

I earned my B.S. in Psychology and M.A. in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. In addition to five years counseling as a social worker, I have provided clinical therapy for over 10 years through Shepherd’s Touch Counseling Ministries, Oasis Counseling, and Psychological Health Affiliates.

I  use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Couples Theory, and Family Systems Theory. I also incorporate Biblical principles and prayer if clients so wish. I specialize in Relationships, Parenting, Depression, Anxiety, Divorce Recovery, Stepfamilies, Sexuality, Health, Issues of Faith and Spirituality. 

This information is required by the PA Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors. 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Signature                                                                                                                                                                                Date 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Signature                                                                                                                                                                                Date

PRIVACY NOTICE

It is my goal to protect the privacy and confidentiality of individuals who seek help at Lynne Babbitt Counseling. I am required to inform you about the following areas because of federal privacy regulations and federal law, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). 

Client Records. I keep a record of the services you receive in order to give you the best care possible. Your records include the reasons you are seeking help, pertinent background information you share, session notes, and, in some cases, a diagnosis and plan of care.  

Releases of Information. It is possible that others who are providing services to you may wish to request information, or that you may wish for me to consult with someone else involved in your care. In these cases, you will be asked to sign a consent form, which authorizes me to share about you with only those others who you specify.  

It is my policy to send a courtesy letter to those who refer clients for care, letting them know that you did follow through on their recommendation. Let me know if you do NOT want me to do this. 

Contacting You. You have indicated the ways in which it is acceptable for me to contact you. I will always strive to be sensitive to your wishes in this area.  

If you have questions about these policies, please feel free to discuss them with me. 

I have received the Privacy Notice from Lynne Babbitt Counseling which describes how my information may be used or disclosed as required by federal law and agree to receive counseling services here. 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Signature                                                                                                                                                                                Date 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Signature                                                                                                                                                                                Date