Terms of Service

Effective Date: January 1, 2025

Last Updated: January 1, 2025

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of therapy services provided by Auntie NY Counseling, including in-person and telehealth sessions. By scheduling a consultation or session, you agree to these Terms.

Please read these Terms carefully before engaging in services. If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not schedule appointments.

1. Services Provided

Auntie NY Counseling provides culturally affirming mental health services for individuals, couples, and families, including:

  • Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions for adults addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, identity, and life transitions
  • Couples Therapy: Relationship counseling for intercultural couples, faith-integrated support, and communication skills
  • Family Therapy: Intergenerational healing, extended family dynamics, and culturally grounded family support
  • Specialized Services: Religious trauma recovery, identity exploration, community support navigation
  • Telehealth Sessions: Secure video therapy sessions for clients in North Carolina

Licensure: Naaila Moumaris (Auntie NY) is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) in North Carolina (License #[License Number]).

2. Booking and Scheduling Policy

Free 15-Minute Consultation

All new clients are offered a free 15-minute consultation to discuss their needs, ask questions, and determine if we're a good fit. This consultation does not constitute a therapeutic relationship.

Scheduling Sessions

  • Sessions are scheduled by mutual agreement between you and your therapist
  • Standard session length is 50 minutes for individuals, 60 minutes for couples/families
  • Sessions are available Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM EST
  • Telehealth and in-person options available (subject to availability)

Appointment Reminders

We send appointment reminders via email or text message 24 hours before your scheduled session. You are responsible for attending sessions at the scheduled time.

3. Cancellation and No-Show Policy

24-Hour Cancellation Policy: You must cancel or reschedule appointments at least 24 hours in advance.

Cancellation Procedures

  • 24+ Hours Notice: No charge. You may reschedule or cancel without penalty
  • Less Than 24 Hours Notice: You will be charged the full session fee
  • No-Show: Missing a session without notice results in a full session fee charge

How to Cancel

Exceptions

We understand emergencies happen. If you experience a genuine emergency (illness, family emergency, crisis), please contact us as soon as possible. We will work with you on a case-by-case basis.

Note: Insurance companies do not reimburse for missed appointments. Late cancellations and no-shows are your financial responsibility.

4. Payment Terms and Fees

Session Fees

  • Individual Therapy: $150 per 50-minute session
  • Couples Therapy: $180 per 60-minute session
  • Family Therapy: $200 per 60-minute session
  • Free Consultation: 15 minutes (no charge)

Package Options

  • Individual 5-Session Package: $700 (save $50)
  • Individual 10-Session Package: $1,400 (save $100)
  • Couples 4-Session Package: $680 (save $40)
  • Couples 8-Session Package: $1,280 (save $160)

Payment Methods

We accept the following forms of payment:

  • Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) / Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Cash or Check (in-person only)

Payment Timing

  • Private Pay Clients: Payment is due at the time of service
  • Insurance Clients: Copays/deductibles are due at the time of service
  • Package Purchases: Full payment required at time of purchase

Insurance

Out-of-Network Provider: Auntie NY Counseling is an out-of-network provider for all insurance companies. We can provide you with a "superbill" (detailed receipt) to submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement.

You are responsible for:

  • Verifying your out-of-network benefits with your insurance company
  • Paying the full session fee at the time of service
  • Submitting superbills to your insurance for reimbursement

Sliding Scale (Limited Availability)

A limited number of sliding scale slots are available for clients experiencing financial hardship. Please inquire during your free consultation.

5. Telehealth Services and Informed Consent

By participating in telehealth sessions, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

What is Telehealth?

Telehealth involves the use of secure video conferencing technology to provide mental health services remotely. Sessions are conducted via HIPAA-compliant platforms (Zoom for Healthcare, Doxy.me).

Benefits of Telehealth

  • Convenience and accessibility from home or private location
  • Reduced travel time and costs
  • Flexibility for clients with mobility or scheduling constraints
  • Continuity of care during illness, travel, or emergencies

Risks and Limitations

  • Technology Issues: Internet disruptions, audio/video delays, or technical failures may occur
  • Privacy Concerns: You are responsible for ensuring your environment is private and secure
  • Emergency Situations: Telehealth may not be appropriate for crisis situations requiring immediate intervention
  • Non-Verbal Cues: Some therapeutic information may be harder to observe via video

Your Responsibilities for Telehealth

  • Use a private, secure location where you cannot be overheard
  • Use a reliable internet connection (avoid public Wi-Fi)
  • Ensure your device has working camera, microphone, and speakers
  • Provide your physical location at the start of each session
  • Provide emergency contact information
  • Have a backup plan in case of technology failure (phone number for audio-only session)

Geographic Restrictions

North Carolina Only: Due to licensure requirements, telehealth services are only available to clients physically located in North Carolina at the time of the session.

6. Client Responsibilities

As a client, you agree to:

  • Be Honest: Provide accurate information about your mental health history, symptoms, and concerns
  • Participate Actively: Engage in therapy sessions and complete any agreed-upon homework or exercises
  • Communicate: Share feedback about what is or isn't working in therapy
  • Respect Boundaries: Maintain professional boundaries with your therapist
  • Pay on Time: Make timely payments for services rendered
  • Follow Cancellation Policy: Provide 24-hour notice for cancellations
  • Update Information: Notify us of changes to contact information, insurance, or emergency contacts

7. Therapist Responsibilities

As your therapist, I commit to:

  • Provide Competent Care: Deliver evidence-based, culturally affirming therapy
  • Maintain Confidentiality: Protect your privacy in accordance with HIPAA and ethical guidelines
  • Be Punctual: Start and end sessions on time
  • Communicate Clearly: Explain treatment approaches, policies, and expectations
  • Respect Your Autonomy: Honor your values, beliefs, and goals
  • Refer When Appropriate: Provide referrals if your needs exceed my scope of practice

8. Emergency Protocols

⚠️ Therapy is NOT for emergencies. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please use the resources below:

  • 911: Call for immediate danger or medical emergencies
  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for 24/7 crisis support
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • BlackLine: 1-800-604-5841 (Crisis support for Black community)
  • Nearest Emergency Room: Go to your local ER for psychiatric emergencies

Between-Session Contact: I do not provide crisis management between sessions. For non-emergency questions, you may email hello@auntieny.com. I will respond within 24-48 business hours.

9. Termination of Services

Voluntary Termination (By You)

You may end therapy at any time. We encourage you to discuss your decision with your therapist to ensure a smooth transition and provide referrals if needed.

Termination by Therapist

I reserve the right to terminate services if:

  • You are not benefiting from therapy or need a different level of care
  • There is a conflict of interest or dual relationship
  • You engage in threatening, abusive, or harassing behavior
  • You repeatedly miss appointments or fail to pay for services

In the event of termination, I will provide referrals to other qualified providers and offer a final session to discuss the transition.

10. Dispute Resolution

If you have concerns or complaints about services, please contact me directly so we can address them. If we cannot resolve the issue, you have the right to file a complaint with:

  • North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors
    Website: www.ncblpc.org
    Phone: (919) 788-1340

11. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Updated Terms will be posted on this page with a new "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

12. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms, please contact us:

Email: hello@auntieny.com

Phone: (919) 555-0123

Mail: Auntie NY Counseling, [Address], Raleigh, NC [ZIP]

By scheduling a consultation or session, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms of Service.