CONSENT FOR TREATMENT

Outpatient  therapy consists of face-to-face contact between a qualified clinician and the individual(s) in treatment. The focus of treatment is on the presenting problem and any associated feelings, assessing possible causes and previous attempts to cope with the problem, and possible courses of action and their consequences. The frequently and duration of therapy sessions will be decided between you and your therapist,  Matthew Gerst, Ph.D., a California Licensed Clinical Psychologist.

You  are expected to benefit from therapy, but there is no guarantee that you will. Maximum benefit occurs with consistent attendance, but you may feel temporarily worse while in treatment. Please communicate such feelings and any concerns with your therapist.

California law and ethical standards require that all information shared in the course of therapy remain confidential, with certain specific exceptions.  Law requires that all therapists report any suspected neglect or abuse of a minor child, a disabled or dependent adult, or a senior adult (65 or older). All therapists are required by law to take action, including possibly sharing confidential information and/or contacting emergency services, if and when the therapist is aware of danger to harm oneself or another person.

It is illegal and unethical for a therapist to enter into a personal, sexual or business relationship with a client; therefore the only relationship permitted during the time of treatment is that of therapist  and client.  The brochure “Professional Therapy Never Includes Sex”  from the State of California Department of Consumer Affairs is available from this therapist, in the lobby waiting area, and available  on-line at:  http://www.psychboard.ca.gov/pubs/proftherapy.pdf.

EMERGENCY SITUATIONS   I can be reached at (707) 978-2944  Please leave your phone  number and best times for me to contact you.  If I do not return your call immediately, it is usually because I am in session or unavailable  at that moment.  I check messages several times each day and will call you as soon as I am available. In a crisis situation, your primary care physician or local emergency room or crisis intervention services (911) may also be contacted. 

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