Client Bill of Rights

You have the right to:

1. Request and receive full information about the therapist’s professional capabilities, including licensure, education, training, experience, professional association membership, specialization, and limitations.

2. Have written information about fees, methods of payment, insurance reimbursement, number of sessions, substitutions (in cases of vacation and emergencies), and cancellation policies before beginning therapy.

3. Receive respectful treatment that will be helpful to you.

4. A safe environment, free from sexual, physical, and emotional abuse.

5. Ask questions about your therapy.

6. Refuse to answer any question or disclose any information you choose not to reveal.

7. Request the therapist inform you of your progress.

8. Know the limits of confidentiality and circumstances in which a therapist is legally required to disclose information to others.

9. Refuse a particular type of treatment or end treatment without obligation or harassment.

10. Refuse electronic recording (but you may request it if you wish).

11. Request and (in most cases) receive a summary of your file, including the diagnosis, your progress, and type of treatment.

12. Report unethical and illegal behavior by a therapist.

13. Receive a second opinion at any time about your therapy or your therapist’s methods.

14. Request the transfer of a copy of your file to any therapist or agency you choose.