Practice Policies and Informed Consent

Practice Policies and Informed Consent

Last updated: September 1, 2025

This page describes policies and procedures regarding service delivery in my practice.

Appointments & Cancellations

  • Sessions are typically 45 minutes. If you arrive late, the session may be shortened.

  • Please cancel/reschedule 48 hours in advance. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance may be charged the full fee.

  • Termination is part of the therapeutic process. Treatment may end when goals are met or if therapy is no longer effective.

Communication & Accessibility

  • Contact me by voicemail or text. I will return messages within 24 hours on weekdays.

  • In emergencies, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

  • Do not include confidential information in texts or emails.

  • To protect your privacy, I do not accept friend or connection requests on social media from clients.

Telehealth & Electronic Communication

  • Services by phone, video, or email are considered telemedicine. All confidentiality protections apply.

  • Benefits include convenience and access to care; risks include technical interruptions. If a session is disrupted, there will be no charge for lost time.

  • Do not share your telehealth appointment link with unauthorized persons.

Confidentiality

Your privacy is protected, with exceptions required by law:

  1. Risk of serious harm to self or others.

  2. Suspected abuse/neglect of children, elders, or vulnerable adults.

  3. Valid court order.

Parents/guardians may be legally entitled to some information. I will discuss with you what is shared and what remains private.

If we meet outside of sessions, I will not acknowledge you unless you approach me first, to ensure your confidentiality is safeguarded.

External Providers

To enhance services, I sometimes use secure external platforms such as Upheal. Upheal provides automated notes and analytics and, as a HIPAA-compliant Business Associate, safeguards all protected health information (PHI).

I have signed a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with Upheal, ensuring your data is protected under the HIPAA Security and Privacy Rules with appropriate safeguards.

Concerns & Complaints

If you have concerns, you may contact your state’s Board of Psychology: https://www.asppb.net/page/BdContactNewPG


Payment Information

  • Payment is processed via Stripe at the time of session.

  • Your card may be charged for late cancellations or missed sessions.

  • You may request paper statements at any time.

  • This authorization remains in effect until revoked in writing.


Federal “No Surprises” Act

You are entitled to a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) of service costs.

  • You will receive a clear description of services, frequency, and fees.

  • If fees change, a new estimate will be provided with an explanation.

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Dr. Alan Jacobson Founder and President
Dr. Alan S. Jacobson, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist and certified health service Psychologist and Founder of the Center for Applied Psychological Science. He has been practicing for 25 years and is licensed in 44 states. He provides evidence-based psychotherapy for adolescents and adults. His clinical work focuses on anxiety, depression, executive functioning challenges, life transitions, and performance-related stress. Dr. Jacobson integrates cognitive-behavioral, insight-oriented, and values-based approaches to help clients build clarity, resilience, and measurable psychological growth.