Terms of Use

Serenity Seekers Counseling and Wellness
Effective Date: January 21, 2024
Last Updated: September 12, 2025

Agreement to Terms

By accessing and using the services of Serenity Seekers Counseling and Wellness, including our website, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our services or website.

Description of Services

Serenity Seekers Counseling and Wellness provides:

• Individual, couples, and family counseling services
• Mental health assessments and evaluations
• Wellness coaching and support services
• Educational resources and workshops
• Telehealth/virtual counseling sessions
• Crisis intervention and support

Professional Relationship and Scope of Services

Therapeutic Relationship

• Our services constitute a professional therapeutic relationship between you and our licensed clinicians
• Services are provided in accordance with professional ethical standards and state licensing requirements
• The therapeutic relationship exists only during scheduled appointments and agreed-upon communications

Scope of Practice

• Our clinicians are licensed to practice in the State of Georgia
• Services are limited to our areas of professional competence and training
• We do not provide medical treatment, prescription medications, or emergency services
• We may refer you to other professionals when appropriate

Not Emergency Services

• Our services are not intended for emergency situations
• If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, contact 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988
• For crisis support, contact your local crisis hotline or emergency services

Client Responsibilities and Expectations

Appointment Policies

• Scheduling: Appointments must be scheduled in advance through our approved booking system
• Attendance: Arrive on time for scheduled appointments
• Cancellation: Provide at least 24 hours notice for cancellations when possible
• No-Show Policy: Missed appointments without notice may be subject to fees

Payment and Financial Responsibilities

• Payment Due: Payment is due at the time of service unless other arrangements are made
• Accepted Methods: We accept cash, check, credit cards, and some insurance plans
• Insurance: You are responsible for understanding your insurance benefits and any co-pays or deductibles
• Outstanding Balances: Unpaid balances may result in collection actions or termination of services

Honesty and Cooperation

• Provide accurate and complete information about your health and circumstances
• Inform us of any changes in your condition, medications, or contact information
• Participate actively and honestly in the therapeutic process
• Follow through with agreed-upon treatment plans and recommendations

Confidentiality and Privacy

Our Commitment

• We maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, state laws, and professional ethical codes
• Information shared in therapy sessions is protected and will not be disclosed without your written authorization

Limits to Confidentiality

We are required by law to break confidentiality in these situations:

• Imminent Danger: When you pose a serious threat to yourself or others
• Child Abuse: Suspected abuse or neglect of a minor
• Elder/Vulnerable Adult Abuse: Suspected abuse of elderly or disabled individuals
• Court Orders: Valid legal mandates requiring disclosure
• Professional Consultation: Anonymous consultation with colleagues for treatment purposes

Third-Party Communications

• We may communicate with insurance companies for claims processing
• Family members or others may only be contacted with your written permission
• Emergency contacts may be notified in crisis situations

Telehealth Services

Technology Requirements

• You are responsible for ensuring you have appropriate technology and internet connection
• We use secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms for virtual sessions
• Technical difficulties are not grounds for fee adjustments unless caused by our systems

Privacy and Location

• Ensure you are in a private, confidential location during telehealth sessions
• You are responsible for your privacy and security on your end
• Inform us immediately if your privacy is compromised during a session

Limitations

• Telehealth may not be appropriate for all types of therapy or crisis situations
• We reserve the right to recommend in-person sessions when clinically indicated
• Emergency interventions are limited in telehealth settings

Website Terms and Conditions

Acceptable Use

• Use our website only for lawful purposes related to our services
• Do not attempt to access restricted areas or compromise website security
• Respect intellectual property rights of all website content

Content and Information

• Website information is for general educational purposes only
• Content does not constitute professional advice or treatment recommendations
• Always consult directly with our clinicians for personalized guidance

User Accounts

• Maintain confidentiality of your login credentials
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access to your account
• You are responsible for all activities under your account

Intellectual Property

Our Rights

• All website content, materials, and resources are protected by copyright
• Clinical materials, assessments, and therapeutic tools are proprietary
• You may not reproduce, distribute, or sell our materials without permission

Your Rights

• You retain rights to your personal information and therapeutic disclosures
• We may use anonymized, de-identified information for research or training purposes only with your consent

Limitation of Liability

Service Limitations

• We provide professional services to the best of our ability within accepted standards of care
• We cannot guarantee specific outcomes or results from therapy
• Mental health treatment involves inherent risks and uncertainties

Liability Limits

• Our liability is limited to the cost of services provided
• We are not responsible for indirect, consequential, or punitive damages
• We maintain professional liability insurance as required by law

Termination of Services

By You

• You may terminate services at any time with or without notice
• Outstanding balances remain due upon termination
• We may provide referrals to other providers if requested

By Us

We may terminate services for:

• Non-payment of fees after reasonable notice and opportunity to cure
• Failure to comply with treatment recommendations or office policies
• Behavior that is threatening, abusive, or disruptive
• Clinical reasons indicating services are no longer beneficial
• Conflicts of interest or ethical concerns

Upon Termination

• We will provide reasonable notice when possible
• We will assist with transition to another provider if requested
• Records will be maintained according to legal and professional requirements

Dispute Resolution

Informal Resolution

• We encourage direct communication to resolve any concerns
• Contact our office manager or clinical director to discuss issues
• We are committed to addressing problems promptly and professionally

Formal Complaints

• Professional complaints may be filed with state licensing boards
• Legal disputes will be governed by [Insert State] law
• We prefer mediation or arbitration over litigation when possible

Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms of Use to reflect changes in our practice, legal requirements, or professional standards. We will notify you of significant changes through:

• Website posting with effective date
• Email notification to active clients
• Written notice during appointments

Continued use of our services after changes indicates acceptance of updated terms.

Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Use or our services:

Serenity Seekers Counseling and Wellness
8601 Baldwin Pkwy Suite 101, Douglasville, GA 30134
(404) 519-0762
info@serenityseekerscounseling.com

Business Hours:

Emergency Contacts: 911

Acknowledgment

By using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. These documents work together to govern your relationship with Serenity Seekers Counseling and Wellness.

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