Caroline
Gilchrist
LMFT
Currently Accepting New Clients
FAQ's
Sessions and Fees
Sessions are 50 minutes in length and are scheduled on a weekly or biweekly basis. Fees will be collected at time of service. Please contact me regarding the session fee. Reduced fee/sliding scale slots are available on a limited basis.
Notice of Privacy Practice
Insurance
I am an out of network, private pay provider. I am not a contracted provider with any insurance company. Should a client choose to be reimbursed through insurance, some insurance PPO’s offer reimbursement for out-of-network providers. Please contact your insurance provider to understand if you are eligible for partial or full reimbursement for out of network services. A superbill will automatically be generated for you at the beginning of the month for you to submit to your insurance provider (if applicable). You can access superbills through the client portal and you will receive email notification when new superbills are generated and available.
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To be fully informed of your benefits, contact your insurance provider and inquire specifically about your mental health benefits. Ask about partial or full reimbursement and limits to treatments (number of sessions, maximum amount reimbursed per session, etc.).
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Please be aware that if you submit a superbill to insurance, a DSM diagnosis code will be filed in your medical records.
Paperwork
Paperwork is completed through your online client portal. You will receive an email to set up your portal and can log-in at https://caroline-gilchrist.clientsecure.me/
**Please complete and submit paperwork before your initial session, unless an alternative method was discussed.
Notice of Privacy Practice
Confidentiality
All clients are legally protected by confidentiality, meaning that all information discussed in therapy is kept private by the therapist. Limitations to confidentiality are legally required by the clinician when a client is a threat to themselves or others, reports child abuse, reports elder abuse, or as a result of a court order. A client can sign a release form to request information be shared with medical professionals, schools, family members, etc.
Accepted Payment Methods
I accept cash, check, credit card, and Zelle. Please make checks out to “Caroline Gilchrist.” When using Zelle, to add as a contact, please search “Caroline Gilchrist Therapy” in the first name box and input email “ carolinegilchristtherapy@gmail.com .”
24 Hour Cancellation Policy
There is a 24 hour cancellation policy. In order to cancel or reschedule your appointment, you are expected to notify Caroline at least 24 hours in advance of your appointment. You may leave messages 24 hours a day at (925) 285-5331 or email me at carolinegilchristtherapy@gmail.com. With less than 24 hours notice, you will be charged for your appointment. If someone other than the client is assuming financial responsibility for treatment, the responsible party is charged. There are no exceptions to the 24 hour policy (outside of the event of an emergency).
Communication
You are welcome to contact me by phone, text, or email. Please note that I am often not immediately available by telephone. You are welcome to leave a message on my confidential voicemail and I will make every effort to return your call within 72 hours.
**I reserve the use of email and text for scheduling and brief contacts.
Minors
If a minor is receiving therapy services, a legal guardian signature is required. If parents are divorced or separated with shared custody, consent from both parents is required. If any questions exist regarding the authority of parent or legal guardian to give consent for therapy, I will require that the parent or legal guardian submit supporting legal documentation, such as a custody order, prior to the commencement of services. If/when I am contacted by a parent/guardian with information regarding treatment, my policy is that I will inform the minor that their guardian has contacted me and disclose the content shared by the parent to maintain transparency and trust.
Letter Writing and Court
I do not consent to requests for court appearances, unless legally mandated. A strict letter writing policy is upheld and documents are only written for limited and necessary circumstances. Letters will NOT be written for divorce or custody cases.