Policies and Procedures
MJL Mental Health and Mental Performance Counseling Policies and Procedures
This manual provides a framework for the operation of a private outpatient mental health practice in Massachusetts. It should be reviewed by legal counsel and updated as laws and regulations change.
1. Mission
Matt Counseling Services is committed to providing ethical, evidence-based, trauma informed counseling and mental performance services that promote psychological wellness, resilience, and optimal functioning
2. Scope of Services
Services include individual psychotherapy, EMDR, Brainspotting, CBT, Internal Family Systems, mindfulness, mental performance consultation, and trauma treatment.
3. Licensure & Ethics
All services are provided within the scope of Massachusetts LMHC licensure and applicable professional ethical standards. Continuing education and license renewal requirements will be maintained.
4. Client Rights
Clients have the right to respectful care, informed consent, confidentiality, participation in treatment, access to records as permitted by law, and freedom from discrimination.
5. Confidentiality & HIPAA
Protected Health Information (PHI) is safeguarded in accordance with HIPAA and Massachusetts law. Information is released only with authorization or when legally required or permitted.
6. Informed Consent
Written informed consent is obtained before treatment and includes risks, benefits, alternatives, fees, limits of confidentiality, emergency procedures, and telehealth information when applicable.
7. Intake & Assessment
Each client receives a biopsychosocial assessment, diagnostic evaluation when appropriate, risk assessment, and individualized treatment plan.
8. Documentation
Records include intake documents, treatment plans, progress notes, risk assessments, releases, billing information, and discharge summaries. Documentation is completed promptly after sessions.
9. Telehealth
Telehealth is conducted through HIPAA-compliant technology. Client identity, physical location, emergency contact information, and consent are verified before services.
10. Crisis Management
Suicide and homicide risk are assessed whenever indicated. Safety planning, emergency referrals, hospitalization, or emergency services are used when clinically appropriate.
11. Mandatory Reporting
The practice complies with Massachusetts mandatory reporting laws involving abuse, neglect, and other legally reportable situations.
12. Financial Policies
Fees, insurance, cancellations, no-show charges, Good Faith Estimates, and payment expectations are reviewed before treatment begins.
13. Record Retention
Records are retained in accordance with Massachusetts requirements and securely destroyed after the required retention period.