Policies

Cancellation Policy

Successful therapy requires a commitment of your time and is a process for many that is ongoing. It is important that you keep your appointment if at all possible. Please remember that this time has been reserved for you alone. 

In respect of each other's time, if you do not show up for your scheduled therapy appointment, and you have not notified Waves of Hope RI at least 24 hours in advance to cancel or reschedule; you will be required to pay a $65 fee (via credit card on file) unless there is an unexpected serious emergency. If you may have difficulty keeping appointments within the cancellation policy guidelines, my practice may not be the best fit for you. 

Please be aware that your insurance will not pay for missed appointments (due to the service not being provided). Your consideration of this policy is greatly appreciated, as others may be able to utilize the time slot.

Once a session is made and approved, appointment reminders are sent via text and email, 24 hours in advance, and 10 minutes before the telehealth session. 

Electronic Communication

Waves of Hope RI's direct e-mail is sarah@wavesofhoperi.com and the phone number is (401) 230-7406. It is in the best interest of your privacy that e-mail communication only is used for administrative purposes such as scheduling/changing appointments. 

Waves of Hope RI cannot ensure the confidentiality of any form of communication through electronic media, including email and text messages. If you prefer to communicate via email or text messaging for issues regarding scheduling or cancellations, Waves of Hope RI will do so. Waves of Hope RI will try to return messages in a timely manner, but cannot guarantee immediate response and requests that you do not use these methods of communication to discuss therapeutic content and/or request assistance for emergencies. 

If you choose to communicate by email, please be aware that all emails could be retained in the logs of our Internet service providers. While it is unlikely that someone will be looking at these logs, they are, in theory, available to be read by the system administrator(s) of the Internet service provider. Also, any emails Waves of Hope RI receives from you and any responses that Waves of Hope RI sends to you also become a part of your health record. 

After Hours Policy

A message from Sarah:  

       To ensure I care for myself to be the best for you between sessions, I am usually not available to meet before or after my normal business hours Tuesday - Friday, 10am-6pm. For non-emergencies, you may email or leave a voice message and I will respond within 24 hours. Messages are generally checked weekdays between 9:00am and 7:00pm unless I am on vacation. 

For after-hours emergencies, or if you need immediate assistance, call 911 or visit your local emergency room or contact your primary care physician's office. More information is available in the Resources tab of this website for mental health crisis support.

     If I will be out of the office for an extended period of time, I will have coverage through a licensed mental health professional, whose judgment I trust, for any urgent need that may arise. 

Social Media Policy

To avoid dilemmas that may arise, and adhering to the Social Work Code of Ethics, Waves of Hope RI chooses not to accept friend requests or engage in following individuals on social media served through Waves of Hope RI to avoid any conflict of interest, dual relationships, and to protect your privacy and confidentiality.

Privacy Policies

Your privacy is important to Waves of Hope RI. Privacy Practices forms will be distributed at the time of the Intake Process for your review and written consent regarding confidentiality and HIPAA.

Court and Legal Proceedings 

This is an area that is generally out of Waves of Hope RI's preferred scope of practice. If a legal or court matter is an area of need for you, Waves of Hope RI can connect you with other helping professionals who would be better suited to meet your needs. More information about court/legal proceedings will be provided during the intake process.