Client's Rights and Responsibilities

The National Board of Certified Counselors has established the Clients’ Rights and Responsibilities to show reciprocal trust, courtesy, and respect between Client and Counselor.  

If you prefer to receive a copy of the referenced material by email, please ask Amy L. Adams, M.S., LMHC, LADC, and she will email them. 

As a client participating in mental health treatment, you have the following rights: 

• The right to fair treatment, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, ethnicity, age, disability, or payment source.
• The right to receive specific information about your counselor’s qualifications, including education, experience, counseling certifications, and State licensure. 
• The right to obtain a copy of the National Board of Certified Counselors’ code of ethics. 
• The right to receive a written explanation of services offered, time commitments, fee scales, and billing policies before receipt of services. 
• The right to understand your counselor’s area of expertise and scope of practice. 
• The right to information about emergency procedures if you have a mental health emergency. Please refer to your Tele-mental Health Consent.
• The right to keep your treatment information private. Only where permitted by law may mental health records be released without your permission. (See Confidentiality & Privacy Practices Statement). 
• The right to know your treatment choices and ask questions about counseling techniques. 
• The right to understand the implications of a diagnosis and the intended use of psychological reports. 
• The right to information about clinical guidelines for providing and managing your care.
• The right to establish goals and evaluate your progress with Amy L. Adams, M.S., LMHC, LADC
• The right to terminate counseling at any time.
• The right to have information given to you in a language you can understand. Amy L. Adams, MS., LMHC, LADC, is fluent and qualified to provide counseling in English.  
• The right to inspect your medical record. If you request an electronic or paper copy, you must sign a release to transmit these records via the internet or have them mailed. There will be an associated nominal fee for the time involved and mailing. 
• The right to amend incorrect information on your health information record. Unfortunately, Amy Adams, M.S., LMHC, LADC, cannot change a signed document; however, she can add an addendum. 
• The right to give input on the Client’s Rights and Responsibilities Policy.
• The right to know about advocacy, community groups, and prevention services. You may inquire about these, and Amy L. Adams, M.S., LMHC, LADC may refer you to them to support your well-being.
• The right to express spiritual beliefs and cultural practices that do not harm others or interfere with the agency of others. 
• The right to file a complaint or appeal and learn how to do so. Please refer to; (https://sos.vermont.gov/opr/online-services/)

RESPONSIBILITIES:

As a client participating in mental health counseling, you are responsible for the following:

•  You are responsible for giving Amy L. Adams, M.S., LMHC, LADC, complete and accurate information as required for treatment and billing purposes.
• You are responsible for adhering to meeting schedules. If you must reschedule an appointment, contact your counselor as soon as possible. Consistent engagement in treatment improves treatment outcomes.
• You are responsible for the entire session fee for late cancellations or missed sessions. The only exception to this rule is if you would endanger yourself by attempting to come to the session.
• You are responsible for actively developing your care plan and following the developed treatment plan.
• You are responsible for coming to your sessions on time and at the scheduled time. If you are late, your session will end on time. 
• You are responsible for participating fully in each session to help maximize positive outcomes.
• You are responsible for following agreed-upon goals and strategies established in sessions.
• You are responsible for informing your counselor of your progress and challenges in meeting your goals. 
• You are responsible for asking questions about your care to understand your care.
• You are responsible for letting Amy L. Adams, M.S., LMHC, and LADC know when the treatment plan is not working for you.
• You are responsible for considering appropriate referrals from Amy L. Adams, M.S., LMHC, LADC.
• You are responsible for taking prescribed medications as prescribed. 
• You are responsible for informing Amy L. Adams, M.S., LMHC, LADC, of any medication changes or if you have altered your medication routine.
• You are responsible for refraining from verbal abuse, threats, and aggressive behavior.  
• You are responsible for paying your bill, following the consent for participation in telemental health and counseling services agreements.