GENERAL OFFICE INFORMATION AND POLICIES

Business: Sandra J. Shields RN, MSW, LCSW is an independent professional providing mental health services as a sole proprietor. Diagnostic, therapeutic, and treatment services will be provided for the individuals designated on the CONSENT FOR TREATMENT. Mrs. Shields will request a signed AUTHORIZATION FOR THE RELEASE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION for medical records request and consultations.

Professional Standard of Practice: Sandra J. Shields RN, MSW, LCSW is a Licensed Master Social Worker Texas license #18416. Sandra J. Shields RN, MSW, LCSW is also licensed as a Registered Nurse Texas license #4-31448. Ms. Shields worked in the medical field as a pediatric nurse for nine years and then as a parent educator over a span of 10 years. Ms. Shields has worked in the mental health field since 1992 as a therapist and child and family guidance clinic director. As a clinical social worker Ms. Shields has experience in individual, family, and group therapy. Ms. Shields background also includes training of and the practice of clinical play therapy. Treatment services are provided for adults, adolescents, and children.

Ms. Shields practices the standards set forth by the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners Code of Ethics and Professional Standard of Practice. Accordingly, the client’s rights to confidentiality are safeguarded within the limits of the law. Under Texas law, it may be a mental health professional’s duty to warn concerned parties and/or to report to authorities actual or suspected child abuse or neglect, or imminent intention to commit serious bodily harm to self or another. Upon initiation of treatment, the purpose, goals and objectives, and the process by which these will be accomplished are reviewed with the client and/or parent /guardian. However, there is no guarantee or warranty that the treatment including such goals and objectives will provide intended results. The client, and/or parent/guardian will be offered ongoing opportunities for active participation in treatment planning and modification.

Appointments:  The clinical hour for appointments is 60 minutes unless specified otherwise by you, the client, or the therapist.  The fee for a clinical hour of service is $120/$130 unless provider services are contracted otherwise between this therapist and your insurance carrier.  Clarification of your financial responsibility is included on the PAYMENT INFORMATION form.  An appointment time is reserved for you, unless you contact your therapist to cancel and/or reschedule your time.  The financially responsible party will be charged the payment fee of $50.00 for cancellations unless a 24 hour notice is given to the therapist.  Cancellations due to illness or emergencies will be taken into consideration.  However, it is important to note that insurance companies will not pay for missed services.  If your therapist is not able to provide services at your reserved time, notice will be given to the responsible party and/or client as soon as possible.

Therapist and Emergency Contact:  Sandra J. Shields RN, MSW, LCSW can be contacted at the office and voice mail number 972-772-4006 Monday thru Thursday 12 PM to 6:00 PM. The telephone consultation fee over 10 minutes is $15.00 per quarter hour.  You may leave messages anytime. However, routine calls will be returned Monday through Thursday. If you have an urgent need you may reach this therapist at 469-338-1052.  For a life threatening emergency, please call 911 immediately.