Our Treatment Policy

Our Treatment Policy

Welcome to The IPCRC. This document contains vital information with reference to the services, business practices, treatment policy and your right and responsibilities as a client of the IPCRC. Please read it carefully and be sure to jot down any questions you might have so that they can be discussed. This contract is a two-way agreement, with corresponding rights and responsibilities for you as a client, as well as your clinician. In all entirety, this document will help you prepare for what to expect.

Psychological & Psychiatric Services:

The initial session is known as the diagnostic intake. This is where the clinician will be collecting a thorough history of the issue that has been presented, and other background psychosocial information. The evaluation process can take more than a single session, depending on the individual. By the end of the evaluation, our clinician will be able to offer the primary impressions of the services required, along with a treatment plan. These services could include; individual psychotherapy, psychological assessment, behavioral therapy, group therapy, or psychiatry.

The Therapeutic Relationship:

All clinicians will be required to adhere to the code of ethics and standards of practice as per the industry guidelines. This code precludes any dual relationship between the client and the patient, to be able to protect the rights of our clients. As well as to ensure objectivity in analysis, and keep professional judgement and integrity intact in the provision of services.

Confidentiality:

IPCRC will take the strictest measures to ensure complete protection of your confidentiality, privacy, and security in regards to your care, information, and records. If the clinician wants to obtain or release information from other individuals such as a doctor or educational institution – a written release of information will be signed by the client to ensure the authorization of this exchange. Clinicians may also on occasion, deem it necessary to be able to consult with other professionals about client treatment for the purpose of supervision or clinical peer review and to offer the best service. In these instances, we ensure that no identity or information relevant to the individual would be revealed. The consultant will also be strictly bound to uphold policies and procedures surrounding the protection of client confidentiality.

  • However, there exist LIMITS OF CONFIDENTIALITY that are applicable when:
  • If the client is to waive their right to privacy and offers written consent for the purpose.
  • When, based on clinical judgment, disclosure is required to prevent clear and imminent danger to the client, or others around the client, yet the client is unwilling to contract, due to inability or other reasons.
  • In matters that directly impact the welfare or abuse of vulnerable individuals such as children, elderly, or individuals with a cognitive or physical disability, around the client.
  • When clients threaten, harass, or present a very real risk of violence to the IPCRC team member or the property.
  • When ordered by an official of the court as per the law.

Appointments:

The duration, time, and frequency of each appointment will vary for each individual and the specific problems being targeted. Generally, appointments would be held once a week and would last somewhere between 50-60 minutes. Although an estimate of treatment duration may be provided, clients are still warned that it is simply an estimate. Treatment duration may vary depending on what the client hopes to achieve from the experience. Shorter-term treatments will tend to routinely target symptom relief and a return to baseline functioning, or enduring changes in longstanding behavioral patterns or chronic problems requiring longer term care. The clinician, in collaboration with the client, will be able to determine when to terminate the therapy based on the client, and progress.

Contacting Your Clinician:

IPCRC operates Sunday through Saturday 9 am – 5 pm. If you need to contact your clinician outside of the allotted appointment time, you may reach out to them through call or e-mail. Be sure to know that clinicians may not be always be available to respond immediately. Every effort will be made to return client calls within a time frame of 24 hours. It is also important to take note of the fact that IPCRC clinicians will not provide crisis services. If you do require after-hour services due to any form of medical, mental or emotional distress, you should contact the emergency room at the hospital nearest to you. If necessary, under the circumstances that your clinician is unavailable for an extended time, clients will be provided with the name of a trusted clinician/colleague whom they will be referred to, should they choose to establish contact. In the event that your clinician is suddenly unable to meet with you on your appointed time due to a medical or personal emergency, you will be informed beforehand and be offered a consultation with another psychologist who will be adequately briefed regarding your history and able to provide the interim care and support you require.

Ending Therapy:

As a client, you can exercise the right to end therapy at any time, with or without offering rationale. Ending therapy can occur at any time. And maybe indicated by you, or the therapist. If you have any concerns about your experience of treatment, feel free to share them so possible changes can be made to make therapy more helpful and available to you in the future. It is not unusual for a client to meet with more than a single therapist before they are sure to find the “best fit. Please share your experience with us!

Complaints, Grievances, & Risk:

It is your right as a client of the IPCRC to present any concerns or grievances about services and receive a response in a time-sensitive manner. Clients have the right to seek a meeting with the IPCRC Operational Manager. The process of making a complaint starts with completing a complaint/grievance form. In situations where risk is elevated and the emergency contact is unable to be reached, the clinician will move forward in using his or her best judgment to provide the appropriate level of care.