Terms of Service

Thank you for choosing to work with Dr. Jamie Chiu. The purpose of her services is help young adults with a variety of common emotional, social and study-related challenges.

This Informed Consent and Release of Liability Agreement is intended to provide you with important information regarding the practices, policies, and procedures offered by Dr. Chiu and to clarify the terms of the professional therapeutic relationship between you and Dr. Chiu. Any questions or concerns regarding the contents of this Agreement should be discussed with Dr. Chiu prior to signing it.

Risks and Benefits of Therapy

Psychotherapy is a process in which a wide variety of issues, events, experiences, and memories are discussed for the purpose of creating positive change so that one can experience life and relationships more fully. It provides an opportunity to better, and more deeply, understand oneself, as well as find solutions to problems or difficulties one may be experiencing. Psychotherapy is a joint effort between the client and Dr. Chiu. Progress and success may vary depending upon the particular problems or issues being addressed, as well as many other factors.

Participating in therapy may result in a number of benefits including, but not limited to, reduced stress and anxiety, a decrease in negative thoughts and self-sabotaging behaviours, improved interpersonal relationships, increased comfort in social, school, and family settings, and increased self-confidence. Such benefits may also require substantial effort on one’s part, including an active participation in the therapeutic process, honesty, and a willingness to address one’s feelings, thoughts, and behaviours. There is no guarantee that therapy will yield any or all of the benefits listed above.

Participating in therapy may also involve some discomfort, including discussing unpleasant events, feelings, and experiences. The process may evoke strong feelings of sadness, anger, fear, etc. There may be times in which one’s perceptions and assumptions will be challenged. Tasks may also be assigned which requires stepping outside one’s comfort zone and confronting unpleasant situations.

During the therapeutic process, one may find that they feel worse before they feel better. This is generally a normal course of events. Personal growth and change can be slow and frustrating. It is important to address any concerns one has regarding the progress in therapy with Dr. Chiu. Her sole purpose is to support you.

All communications between Dr. Chiu and her clients will be held in strict confidence unless written permission is provided to release information.

Psychotherapist-Client Privilege

The information disclosed by you, as well as any record created of it, is subject to the psychotherapist-client privilege. The psychotherapist-client privilege results from the special relationship between you and your therapist in the eyes of the law. It is akin to the attorney-client privilege or the doctor-patient privilege.

If Dr. Chiu receives a subpoena for records, deposition testimony, or testimony in a court of law, he or she will assert the psychotherapist-client privilege on your behalf until instructed in writing to do otherwise by you or your representative. You should be aware that you might be waiving the psychotherapist-client privilege if you make your mental or emotional state an issue in a legal proceeding. You should address any concerns you might have regarding the psychotherapist-client privilege with your attorney.

Exceptions to Confidentiality

Therapists are required to report instances of suspected child or elder abuse. Dr. Chiu may also be required or permitted to break confidentiality when she has determined that a client presents a serious danger of harm to another person or when a client is dangerous to him or herself.

Your records may also be used for research purposes, including the publication and dissemination of research results, understanding that this will involve no participation on your part and that your identity and any other identifying information will be protected and kept confidential.

Professional Consultation

Professional consultation is an important component of a healthy psychotherapy practice. As such, Dr. Chiu may regularly participate in clinical, ethical, and legal consultation with appropriate professionals. During such consultations, she will not reveal any personally identifying information concerning you.

Appointments

All sessions are by appointment only and may be scheduled through Dr. Chiu. Because consistency is an important part of the treatment process, the appointment time scheduled is reserved for you and is not available to anyone else. Please be punctual, as you use up your own time when you are late for an appointment.

Cancellation Policies: Since scheduling of an appointment involves the reservation of time specifically for you, a minimum of 24 hours notice (to include one business day) is required for rescheduling or canceling an appointment. You will be charged a full session fee without such notification. Medical emergencies will be considered on a case by case basis.

Billing and Payments

You will be expected to pay prior to the scheduled session, unless agreed otherwise. Other professional services and the payment of (eg. some types of report/letter writing) can be arranged upon request.

Termination Of Therapy

Dr. Chiu reserves the right to terminate therapy at her discretion. Reasons for termination include, but are not limited to, untimely payment of fees, conflicts of interest, failure to participate in therapy, or if your needs fall outside of the scope of competence or practice.

You also have the right to terminate therapy at your discretion.

Upon either party’s decision to terminate therapy, Dr. Chiu will generally recommend that her clients participate in at least one, or possibly more, termination sessions. These sessions are intended to facilitate a positive transition experience and give both parties an opportunity to reflect on the work that has been done. Dr. Chiu will also, to the best of her ability, provide referral options if deemed necessary.

Acknowledgement and Release of Liability

By signing below, you acknowledge that you have reviewed and fully understand the terms and conditions of this Agreement. You have discussed such terms and conditions with Dr. Chiu, and have had any questions with regard to its terms and conditions answered to your satisfaction. You agree to abide by the terms and conditions of this Agreement and provide your consent to engage in psychotherapy with Dr. Chiu.

Moreover, in consideration of the benefits to be derived from the psychological services provided, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, you hereby agree to hold harmless, release, and forever discharge and covenant not to sue or hold legally liable Dr. Jamie Chiu from any and all claims, demands, damages, actions, or causes of action whatsoever related to the services provided.