Policies and Procedures
Office Hours
Monday through Thursday: usually 10:00am to 7:30pm
Messages left at night or on Friday, Saturday or Sunday are generally returned on Monday.
In extended absences, I arrange coverage by another therapist and leave information regarding that on my answering machine.
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Communication
My office phone number is 301-422-0101.
My Email is anndobbertin@gmail.com. We can communicate by Email as long as I have written authorization to do so and you are aware that I cannot guarantee privacy.
My website is www.anndobbertin.com. There are articles that may be of interest to you.
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Emergency Services
If you have a logistical emergency and you need to speak to me immediately, you may call me on my emergency cell phone at 301-587-4602. If you have a therapeutic emergency, phone calls will be billed pro-rated at the regular fee. If you have a clinical emergency and are unable to speak with me, go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
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Appointments
Individuals meet for 45 minutes.
Couples meet for 75 minutes.
Groups meet for 80 minutes.
Monthly groups meet for 3 hours.
That allows time for me to write notes and prepare for the next session.
If a couple arrives separately, I will begin when both are present.
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Cancellation Policy
Individual Psychotherapy and Family Psychotherapy
Call as soon as you are aware of the need to change or cancel a scheduled appointment; that allows for flexibility in rescheduling your appointment and gives me ample time to offer that time to another individual or couple.
You will be charged if you miss or cancel an appointment with less than 2 business days (Monday through Friday – 48 hours notice) and I am unable to fill that time period.
In the event of illness or work emergency, a phone session is an option. There is no charge for missed appointments due to snow conditions.
Ethics Seminar
1. Participants will receive a full refund if a workshop is canceled.
2. When a person cancels their registration prior to three weeks before the event, they
receive a full refund of the deposit minus a $35 processing fee.
3. When a person cancels their registration with less than one weeks’ notice, there is a 50% refund of the deposit.
Psychotherapy, Dream and Consultation Groups
There is no charge if cancelled with 48 hours' notice. If cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice, the cancellation fee is HALF of the regular fee.
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Termination
When it is time to stop therapy, it is important that there be time given before terminating to bring closure to the therapeutic relationship by talking about what changes have taken place during the time together, how to continue the growth process in a new way and time to say “good-bye.”
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Concerns
If at any time during our work together you have questions or concerns about the type or quality of treatment you are receiving, its effectiveness, or other concerns please bring it up during your appointment.
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Consultation and Supervision
Respecting the integrity and honor of this work, I participate in supervision, peer consultation and continuing professional development as part of my work. I may discuss your case with a clinical consultant to provide you with the best care for your optimal well-being.
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Privacy and Confidentiality
All records of the therapy session are kept confidential. This is privileged communication that may be released only under the terms stated in the attached “Notice of Privacy Practices.”
I maintain two separate files. One contains your “PHI” Protected Health Information. This Clinical Record contains the dates we meet, your ICD-10 diagnosis if required by your insurance company, reports from any professional consultations, and reports that have been sent to anyone, including treatment reports sent to your insurance company.
The other file contains the Psychotherapy Notes that are for my own use. It usually contains information about your reasons for seeking therapy, a description of the ways in which your issue impacts on your life, your medical, social and treatment history, your diagnosis and the goals we set for treatment. While the contents of the Psychotherapy Notes vary from client to client, they can include content of our conversations, my analysis of those conversations, and how they impact your therapy. Notes from contact with other mental health professionals concerning your therapy and from others provided to me confidentially are also included.
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Financial Information
A statement listing services will be given to you at the end of each session.
Payment is due on that day unless other arrangements are made.
My services are reimbursable through many insurance companies. You are responsible for determining if any health care benefits are available to you. The statement contains the necessary information you need to file for reimbursement. You are responsible for sending in your claim to the insurance company. When required, I am responsible for sending in treatment reports.
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Credentials
Masters in Social Work – Clinical Tract
Maryland Board Certified: Licensed Certified Social Worker – Clinical (LCSW-C)
Imago Relationship Therapist – Advanced Clinician
Voice Dialogue Facilitator and Trainer
Member of National Association of Social Workers
Member of Greater Washington Society for Clinical Social Work
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