Smalley Intensive Terms and Conditions
The Smalley Institute is committed to providing quality services to our clients and the information necessary to be informed about the treatment process. If you have any questions regarding anything on this form, please discuss them with your Intensive Coordinator before continuing.
PHILOSOPHY
The Smalley Institute operates under the belief that sensitivity, professionalism, and respect for human dignity are fundamental to addressing the spiritual and emotional needs of couples and families. Whether we employ ordained clergy, marriage coaches or licensed counselors, all bring psychological, spiritual, and ethical frames of reference to their work. The staff at the Smalley Institute will respect the beliefs, whatever they may be, of all clients. We see people from all different faith traditions and believe that through creating authentic relationships individuals can integrate their beliefs into a healthier emotional and spiritual lifestyle.
SMALLEY INTENSIVES
The relationship that exists between a Marriage Coach and a client is professional rather than social. Therefore, contact with your Coach will only take place in the provision of a professional service. In order to assist in the needs of your family, it may be necessary to refer you to other agencies or professionals. If necessary, we will assist you in facilitating these referrals. Your written consent is required to disclose any information about you or your family to professionals outside of the Smalley Institute.
The Smalley Intensive is an opportunity for healing and personal growth. We believe that both you and your spouse possess the ability to do what is necessary to take an active role in this process. In order to receive the maximum benefits of marriage counseling, your participation is imperative. During the intensive your coach may recommend books for you to read, offer handouts, or use techniques to facilitate personal growth. We encourage you to discuss with your counselor any approach, technique, or practice with which you have questions, concerns, or need clarification. We commend you on putting your faith in God and giving him the opportunity to start healing your marriage and restoring your passion for one another. We at the Smalley Institute are honored that you have chosen us to assist you in your personal growth.
SCHEDULING
Smalley Intensives are by appointment only. You are responsible for keeping your appointment and arriving on time. Once an intensive is purchased, there can be a 50% refund of the total purchase price up to a month in advance of the date of the Intensive. There are no refunds accepted within a month of the date of a scheduled Intensive for any reason. You will be charged the full amount for any appointment not cancelled or rescheduled within the one month (30 days) time frame. The Smalley Institute retains the right to discontinue services if you have missed more than two consecutive appointments or intensives, if you do not pay your coaching fees in a timely manner, if it is clear that you are receiving no benefits from counseling, if you exhibit abusive behavior, if you engage in criminal behavior on the premises, or if you knowingly violate the confidentiality of the Smalley Institute clients.
The Smalley Institute cannot allow unattended minors in the waiting room. There are no nursery services available during our Intensives.
PAYMENT
Fees must be paid at the time you book an Intensive. Preparation of documents or other requests will incur a separate cost. Assessments and evaluations may incur a separate cost.
We cannot, under any circumstances, allow you to hold a date for an Intensive without Full Payment.
Payments may be made with cash, check, or credit card. VISA, Discover, and MasterCard are accepted. There is a $15 fee for returned checks. After a returned check, balances must be paid by cash or cashiers check.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Confidentiality is described as keeping private the information shared between a client and his/her counselor. Counseling sessions at the Smalley Institute are strictly confidential. Information regarding your counseling sessions will not be discussed, without your permission, beyond the clinical staff at the Smalley Institute.
The following describes those situations in which the Smalley Institute is required to break confidentiality. Instances of suspected or known child abuse, abuse to the elderly or disabled, sexual exploitation by other counselors, misconduct or unethical behavior while in a hospital or residential unit, or knowledge that a client is a danger to himself/ herself or to someone else. In any of the previous situations the counselor must report the suspicion or knowledge of abuse to the proper licensing board or authorities. Additionally, court orders requiring the release of counseling records may result in the release of those records.
Participants who are in couple’s sessions and are or become involved in individual sessions will have discretion over their own information becoming part of a session involving other family members.
DISCLOSURE REGARDING DIVORCE AND CUSTODY LITIGATION
If you are involved in divorce or custody litigation, the coaches role is not to make recommendations to the court concerning divorce, custody or parenting issues. By agreeing to these Terms and Conditions, you agree not to subpoena your coach to court for testimony or for disclosure of treatment information in such litigation; and you agree not to request that your coach write any reports to the court or to your attorney, making recommendations concerning custody or divorce proceedings. If your coach is called to testify or asked to write reports, the fee is $2000.00 per day, with a 1-day minimum fee assessed.
CONSENT TO DISCLOSE INFORMATION
If at any time you have the need for your coach to consult with other professionals or agencies on your behalf, your signed consent to disclose information to other agencies and/or individuals will be required. Exceptions may include requests made by the court and/or a subpoena. If you have received or are currently receiving mental health services and/or psychotropic medications from another health care provider please inform your coach. Your success may depend on our ability to communicate with these professionals.
CONCLUSION
I have read and understand the above information and agree to voluntarily enter myself into coaching services at the Smalley Institute. I understand the limits of confidentiality and understand that those limits also apply in the treatment of a minor.