Terms of service

general Policy

All clients shall be treated without discrimination related to age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, language, physical or mental disability, social or economic status, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression.

01.Consent for treatment

By attending the initial appointment, the client thereby agrees to have Samantha Mealey, LCSW-C of Trellis Therapy, LCC evaluate and treat accordingly. Absent an emergency, if the proposed treatment has significant risks, then an additional informed consent will be obtained. The practice of psychotherapy is not an exact science, and no guarantees may be issued as to the exact results or outcomes.

02.Consent to be Contacted

I am dedicated to maintaining client confidentiality. Clients are entitled to utmost privacy under federal confidentiality laws. I will request client consent before any contact with others including school personnel, employers, family or other individuals regarding treatment. If clients request that I complete forms for reimbursement to their insurance carrier, then the necessary information required for payment purposes will be provided. There are limits to confidentiality. If there is immediate concern for risk of harm to self or others, I will collaborate with the client as well as other necessary individuals to address safety needs in emergency situations. In care of emergency, I will coordinate necessary care with other healthcare professionals providing direct treatment. Additionally, I am a mandated reported and required to report incidents of child abuse and/or neglect, elder abuse or abuse of vulnerable adults.

03.Consent to be Contacted

The client agrees that by providing their phone number(s) and/or address, they thereby are giving express consent to be contacted at these addresses, numbers, or any number that is later acquired and to leave live or pre-recorded messages or text messages regarding healthcare-related matters, my account, or my bill related to any services receive. The client confirms that any phone number provided by them is associated with them.

04.payment for services

The client agrees that they will be responsible for paying and understands they may need to pay any outstanding balance before receiving further treatment. If an account is sent to a collection agency, the client agrees to pay all reasonable fees that are required to collect what is due. These fees may include court costs, attorney’s fees of 15% of the billed charges and interest at the judicial rate if judgment is entered.

05.Mediation Agreement

The client agrees that any claim that may arise out of the care provided are governed by the laws of the State of Maryland and agrees that before filing any lawsuit, they will try to resolve the claim through mediation first. Mediation is a process through which a neutral third person assists the parties to help settle the claim. The client does not give up their right to file a lawsuit if the mediation process fails to resolve my claim. This applies to both the client and anyone who makes a claim in their name.