Care and Confidentiality Details
Effective August 1st, 2026.
This page provides the complete detail behind the Consent to Treatment form you sign when you begin care with Michigan Wellbeing Therapy Clinic (MI Wellbeing LLC). It is referenced by that form and forms part of it. We may update this page from time to time, and the effective date above will change when we do.
Michigan Wellbeing does not provide crisis or 24-hour services. If you or someone you love is in crisis, please call 911, go to the nearest emergency room, or contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) or the Michigan Crisis and Access Line at 1-844-446-4225.
The Therapeutic Process
Psychotherapy is a collaborative process that involves active participation from both the client and the clinician. While therapy can lead to personal growth and positive change, it may also involve discussing difficult topics and experiencing emotional discomfort. Clients may feel emotions such as sadness, anxiety, or frustration as they process past experiences and current challenges. Psychotherapy is not a guaranteed solution to specific problems, and outcomes vary depending on multiple factors, including personal commitment, readiness for change, and external circumstances.
Your clinician will work with you to develop treatment goals and strategies that align with your needs. While our team is dedicated to providing high-quality care, we cannot guarantee specific results or improvements. If at any time you have concerns about your treatment, please discuss them with your clinician. You also have the right to seek a second opinion or to discontinue treatment at any time. If you decide to end therapy, we encourage you to discuss this decision with your clinician to ensure a thoughtful transition and to explore any necessary referrals.
Clinicians Working Under Supervision
Some clinicians at MI Wellbeing LLC are working toward full licensure and provide services under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional. A clinician practicing under supervision is a qualified professional who has completed graduate training and is gaining the clinical hours required for independent licensure in Michigan.
As part of the supervision process, your clinician may discuss aspects of your treatment with their supervisor to ensure you are receiving high-quality care. These discussions are confidential and are conducted in accordance with HIPAA and the Michigan Mental Health Code, and supervisors are bound by the same confidentiality obligations as your clinician. For information about your clinician's credentials and their current supervisor, please visit miwellbeing.org for the most up-to-date information, or ask your clinician directly.
Confidentiality and Its Limits
All therapy sessions and relevant treatment records are strictly confidential, except in cases where disclosure is required or permitted by law. Limits to confidentiality are governed by Michigan law and federal regulations. These include, but are not limited to, the following situations where disclosure is legally required or ethically necessary:
If a client threatens or attempts self-harm, posing a substantial risk of serious bodily harm.
If a client threatens grave bodily harm or death to another person.
If there is reasonable suspicion that a client is involved in, observes, or is a victim of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse of a minor (under 18 years old).
If there is reasonable suspicion that an elderly or dependent adult is being subjected to abuse or neglect.
If a court of law issues a legitimate subpoena for therapy records.
If a client is receiving therapy as mandated by a court of law, or if information is required for a legal expert's report to an attorney.
If your clinician needs to consult with other professionals in order to provide the highest standard of care, in which case information may be shared in a professional context without revealing identifying details.
Michigan law requires mental health professionals to report suspected child abuse or neglect, elder abuse, or abuse of vulnerable adults. We are also required to take action if a client poses an imminent threat of harm to self or others. These reports may be made without your consent and may include disclosure of confidential information. Your clinician may also be required to disclose information if ordered to do so by a court of law, or if disclosure is otherwise required or permitted by applicable state or federal law.
If you encounter a clinician from MI Wellbeing LLC outside of the therapy setting, they will not acknowledge you first, in order to protect your privacy. If you choose to acknowledge your clinician, they will gladly return the greeting but will not engage in any discussion about therapy outside of the professional setting.
Couples and Family Confidentiality
When participating in couples or family therapy, it is important to understand how confidentiality is handled when multiple individuals are involved in treatment. The approach differs depending on whether the treatment involves adult partners or parents and minor children.
Couples therapy (adult partners). In couples therapy involving adult partners, MI Wellbeing LLC operates under a "no secrets" policy. This means that if one partner shares information with the clinician individually, whether in a separate session, by phone, or by other means, the clinician will not agree to keep that information secret from the other partner if it is clinically relevant to the treatment. This policy exists because effective couples therapy depends on honesty and transparency. Keeping secrets can undermine the therapeutic process and place the clinician in an untenable position. If you share something with your clinician that you are not comfortable having discussed in joint sessions, the clinician may encourage you to share that information yourself or may help you find appropriate support, but the clinician will not continue treatment while holding significant secrets that affect the therapeutic work. Both partners must agree to this policy before couples therapy begins.
Family therapy involving minor children. When working with families that include minor children, confidentiality is handled differently. Building trust with a young person often requires that they have some privacy within the therapeutic relationship, so the clinician will not automatically share everything a minor client discusses in session with their parents or guardians. There are important limits to this confidentiality. The clinician will use their best clinical judgment to determine what information should be shared with parents, and certain information must always be disclosed. This includes any indication that the minor is at risk of harming themselves or others, any indication that the minor is being abused or neglected, and any other situation where disclosure is required by law or necessary to protect the minor's safety or wellbeing.
Outside of these circumstances, the clinician may keep certain information private if, in their professional judgment, doing so serves the minor's therapeutic progress and does not pose a risk to their safety. The clinician may also work with the minor to help them share important information with their parents when appropriate. Parents and guardians should understand that while they have a right to be involved in their child's treatment and to receive general information about their child's progress, they may not have access to every detail of what is discussed in session. If parents or guardians have questions or concerns about how confidentiality will be handled in their family's specific situation, they are encouraged to discuss this with the clinician before treatment begins.
Working with Minors
Access to information. For clients who are minors (under 18 years old), parents or legal guardians may have a legal right to access certain therapy information. MI Wellbeing LLC clinicians will discuss with the minor client and their parent or guardian what information may be shared while ensuring that appropriate confidentiality protections remain in place. In some cases, the clinician may withhold specific details from parents if it is in the minor's best therapeutic interest and aligns with state laws regarding confidentiality for minors in mental health treatment.
Parent or guardian consent and financial responsibility. A parent or legal guardian must provide consent for treatment of any client under 18 years of age. The parent or legal guardian who signs the consent acknowledges that they are legally authorized to consent to mental health treatment on behalf of the minor, and assumes full financial responsibility for all charges related to the minor's treatment, including co-pays, deductibles, and any fees not covered by insurance. In cases of divorced or separated parents, the parent signing consent represents that they have the legal authority to consent to treatment and agrees to be responsible for payment, regardless of any custody agreements or court orders requiring the other parent to pay for medical expenses.
In cases where a minor is emancipated or otherwise legally authorized to consent to their own mental health treatment under Michigan law, certified documentation of such status must be provided before treatment begins. This includes court orders of emancipation or other legal documentation establishing the minor's right to consent. Without such documentation, parental or guardian consent is required.
Custody and parental rights. In cases of divorced or separated parents, the parent or guardian providing consent warrants that they have the legal authority to consent to treatment or have properly notified the other parent as required by their custody agreement. Both parents may have equal access to the minor's treatment records unless court documentation stating otherwise is provided to MI Wellbeing LLC. It is the responsibility of the consenting parent to provide any custody orders, divorce decrees, or court documents that limit the other parent's access to information. Without such documentation, MI Wellbeing LLC will presume both parents have equal rights to information. The consenting parent agrees to indemnify and hold harmless MI Wellbeing LLC from any claims arising from custody disputes or failures to properly notify the other parent.
Communication with minor clients. MI Wellbeing LLC does not provide therapeutic services via text message, email, or unscheduled phone calls; therapy occurs only during scheduled sessions. When working with clients under 18, there may be occasions when direct communication between the clinician or office staff and the minor client is necessary or appropriate for administrative, logistical, or resource-sharing purposes. This may include troubleshooting technical difficulties with telehealth sessions, scheduling or rescheduling appointments, responding to scheduling inquiries initiated by the minor, appointment reminders, sharing resources related to treatment (such as worksheets, articles, or educational materials), and brief logistical coordination related to sessions.
When communicating directly with a minor client via email or text message, we will generally include a parent or guardian on the communication (such as by CC on an email or including them in a group text) so that parents remain informed. However, there may be situations where this is not feasible, such as when responding quickly to a technical issue during a session, when the minor initiates contact for a brief logistical matter, or in other circumstances where immediate inclusion of a parent is not practical. In these cases, the clinician will use their best judgment and will keep parents informed of ongoing communication patterns as appropriate. Parents and guardians are welcome to request that all communication go through them directly; if you prefer this arrangement, please notify your child's clinician or our office in writing, and we will adjust our practices accordingly.
Guidance for telehealth with a minor, including the private setting, confidentiality, and emergency access, is in the Telehealth Details section below.
Telehealth Details
Telehealth services provided by MI Wellbeing LLC are delivered under Michigan law and regulations. You must be physically located within the state of Michigan during all telehealth sessions unless your clinician holds an active license in your location state. By participating in telehealth services, you confirm that you will be in Michigan during sessions, or will notify your clinician if you need to receive services while in another state. Services cannot be provided if you are in a location where your clinician is not licensed to practice. If you plan to travel outside of Michigan during your course of treatment, please notify your clinician as soon as possible. Because telehealth services are regulated by state law, your clinician can only provide services when you are physically located in a state where they hold an active license, which in most cases means services cannot be provided while you are outside of Michigan.
For planned travel, please discuss scheduling adjustments with your clinician in advance. If you experience an unexpected situation while traveling, such as a mental health crisis, please use local emergency resources, including calling 911, going to a local emergency room, or contacting a crisis hotline such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. MI Wellbeing LLC cannot provide crisis services or clinical support while you are located outside of Michigan unless your clinician is licensed in that state.
Understanding telehealth. You understand that your health care provider wishes you to engage in a telehealth consultation, and that the video conferencing technology used will not be the same as a direct, in-person visit, because you will not be in the same room as your provider. Telehealth has potential benefits, including easier access to care and the convenience of meeting from a location of your choosing. It also has potential limitations and risks, including interruptions, unauthorized access, technical difficulties, and a reduced ability for the clinician to observe non-verbal cues, body language, and other factors that may be relevant to assessment and treatment, and you or your provider can discontinue the telehealth visit if it is felt that the videoconferencing connection is not adequate for the situation. You have had the opportunity to ask questions and to discuss the procedure, its risks and benefits, and any practical alternatives with your provider in a language you understand.
Consent to use the Telehealth by SimplePractice service. Telehealth by SimplePractice is the technology service we use to conduct telehealth videoconferencing appointments. It is simple to use, and no passwords are required to log in. By agreeing, you acknowledge that Telehealth by SimplePractice is not an emergency service, and that in the event of an emergency you will use a phone to call 911. Though your provider and you may be in direct, virtual contact through the service, neither SimplePractice nor the Telehealth service provides any medical or health care services or advice, including emergency or urgent medical services; the service facilitates videoconferencing and is not responsible for the delivery of any health care, medical advice, or care. You should not assume that your provider has access to any or all technical information in the service, or that such information is current, accurate, or up to date, and you will not rely on your provider to have any of this information in the service. To maintain confidentiality, you will not share your telehealth appointment link with anyone unauthorized to attend the appointment.
Telehealth for minor clients. For clients under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must provide consent for telehealth services on behalf of the minor. As the parent or legal guardian, you understand that you are responsible for ensuring your child has a private, appropriate space for their telehealth sessions. You agree to respect the confidentiality of your child's therapy sessions and will not monitor, record, or interrupt sessions unless specifically invited by the clinician or in case of emergency. You understand that the clinician may request to meet with you separately or together with your child as part of the treatment process, and that technical difficulties or interruptions during telehealth sessions are not the responsibility of MI Wellbeing or the clinician. You acknowledge that MI Wellbeing LLC does not provide emergency, crisis, or after-hours services, and that in the event of a medical or psychiatric emergency your child must call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency room; you accept responsibility for ensuring your child has immediate access to a telephone and knowledge of how to seek emergency services during and after telehealth sessions.
You have the right to withhold or withdraw consent for telehealth services at any time without it affecting your ability to receive future care. All existing confidentiality protections apply to telehealth services, and you have access to any medical information transmitted during telehealth sessions. No identifiable images or information from telehealth sessions will be shared without your consent.
Communication and Telephone Accessibility
Telephone accessibility. If clients need to contact their clinician between sessions, they may leave a voicemail or send a text message to the HIPAA-compliant number. Clinicians are often not immediately available; however, they will attempt to return calls within 24 hours during business days. Face-to-face sessions are strongly preferred over phone sessions, as they provide a more effective therapeutic environment. In cases where clients are out of town, unwell, or require additional support, phone or telehealth sessions may be an option. In the event of a true emergency, clients should call 911, go to the nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or the Michigan Crisis and Access Line at 1-844-446-4225. MI Wellbeing LLC does not provide 24-hour emergency crisis services.
Electronic communication. Email and text messaging are not secure forms of communication. Confidential information sent via email or text may be intercepted by third parties, and MI Wellbeing LLC is not responsible for breaches of confidentiality resulting from client-initiated electronic communications. Clients may communicate with their clinician via email or text messaging for scheduling and administrative purposes only. These methods must not be used to discuss clinical matters, sensitive therapeutic content, or to request crisis intervention. By using email or text to communicate with MI Wellbeing LLC, you acknowledge and accept the risks to your confidentiality. Clinicians will attempt to return messages in a timely manner during business hours but cannot guarantee immediate responses. For urgent matters, clients should call the office directly, and for emergencies, clients must call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Consent to be contacted. Clients provide consent for MI Wellbeing LLC to contact them by voicemail, email, phone calls, and text messages for purposes related to scheduling, billing, and other administrative matters. This includes leaving voicemail messages and sending appointment reminders or follow-up information to the contact information on file. If a client wishes to opt out of any specific form of communication, they must notify their clinician and inform the office manager or Clinic Director in writing, so that preferences can be updated accordingly.
Recording of sessions. No audio, video, or photographic recording of sessions by clients is permitted without prior written consent from both the clinician and MI Wellbeing LLC. Unauthorized recording may result in immediate termination of services and potential legal action. This prohibition includes all devices such as phones, smartwatches, or any other recording equipment.
Social Media
To protect client privacy and confidentiality, MI Wellbeing LLC does not accept friend or contact requests from current or former clients on social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram. Connecting with clients via social media may compromise confidentiality and blur the boundaries of the therapeutic relationship. If clients have concerns or questions regarding this policy, they are encouraged to discuss them with their clinician.
Use of AI and Transcription
MI Wellbeing LLC is committed to integrating technology responsibly to enhance treatment effectiveness. As part of these efforts, Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in various aspects of therapy, including monitoring and analyzing treatment progress, providing supplementary therapeutic resources, utilizing transcription services for clinical documentation, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) applications, interactive therapeutic tools, automated appointment scheduling, and teletherapy enhancements. All AI tools used in the clinic are carefully vetted to ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations, which includes ensuring that all data processed by AI tools is encrypted, securely stored, and only accessible by authorized personnel.
To improve the accuracy and efficiency of documentation, MI Wellbeing LLC may use transcription software during sessions. The software used is fully HIPAA-compliant, and all transcriptions are encrypted, securely stored, and only accessible to authorized personnel. Clients will be informed if transcription software is used during their sessions, and they have the right to opt out at any time. Any audio recordings are used solely for supervision, consultation, or quality review, and AI tools are used solely for administrative and documentation support under clinician supervision. Participation in these practices is voluntary and may be withdrawn at any time without penalty or effect on services.
Collaborative Care and Case Consultation
MI Wellbeing LLC operates within a collaborative care model, which means that clinicians may discuss cases with not only their supervisors but also the clinic director, other clinicians, and other supervisors within the practice as part of our commitment to providing high-quality care. Occasionally, interns may sit in on these meetings as part of their clinical training. These discussions are held strictly within the clinic and are conducted in a manner that maintains client confidentiality and aligns with ethical and legal standards. The purpose of these consultations is to gain additional clinical insight, develop treatment strategies, and ensure clients receive well-rounded and comprehensive care. All individuals involved in case consultations are bound by HIPAA and confidentiality agreements. No client information will be shared outside of MI Wellbeing LLC without proper authorization, except as required by law. If clients have any questions about how their information is shared within our collaborative care model, they are encouraged to speak with their clinician.
Group Therapy Confidentiality
If you participate in group therapy at MI Wellbeing LLC, please be aware that information shared by other group members is not protected by therapist-client privilege. While all group members are asked to maintain strict confidentiality and sign confidentiality agreements, MI Wellbeing LLC cannot guarantee that all members will honor this commitment. Your clinician is bound by confidentiality, but other group members are not legally bound in the same way. Participation in group therapy involves accepting this limitation to confidentiality. Any breach of confidentiality by another group member is not the responsibility of MI Wellbeing LLC.
Coaching and Wellness Services
MI Wellbeing LLC offers psychotherapy along with coaching and wellness services. The therapeutic relationship is both highly personal and a contractual agreement, and this page, together with the forms you sign, sets out how it works so both you and your clinician have a clear understanding of what to expect.
Coaching services (such as ADHD and executive function coaching) and other wellness offerings are not psychotherapy. These services have different goals, methods, and confidentiality considerations. If you are receiving coaching or wellness services, you will be provided with a separate consent form specific to those services. If you have questions about the difference between therapy and the other services we offer, please ask your clinician or contact our office.
Client Rights and Responsibilities
Your rights as a client. You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect; to participate in treatment planning and decision-making; to ask questions about your treatment and request modifications when appropriate; to refuse treatment, within legal limitations, and to be informed of any potential risks of refusal; to access and request copies of your records, as permitted by law; and to file a complaint if you believe your rights have been violated.
Your responsibilities as a client. You are responsible for being actively engaged in the therapeutic process and attending scheduled sessions; providing honest and accurate information about your concerns and history; communicating any changes in your condition or circumstances that may affect treatment; and respecting the policies and boundaries set by your clinician and the clinic.
Your rights under the Michigan Mental Health Code. As a recipient of mental health services in Michigan, you have rights protected under the Michigan Mental Health Code (Act 258 of 1974, as amended). These rights include, but are not limited to, the right to receive mental health services suited to your condition; the right to participate in the planning of your services; the right to be treated with dignity and respect; the right to be free from abuse and neglect; the right to confidentiality of your records; the right to have access to your own records (with limited exceptions); the right to be informed of the cost of services; the right to receive services in the least restrictive setting appropriate to your needs; and the right to file a complaint if you believe your rights have been violated. You may exercise these rights without retaliation. If you have questions about your rights or believe your rights have been violated, you may contact MI Wellbeing LLC directly, or you may file a complaint with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) or the appropriate licensing board.
Crisis and Emergency Resources
MI Wellbeing LLC does not provide 24-hour crisis services. If you experience a mental health emergency or feel that you are at risk of harming yourself or others, please call 911, go to the nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) or the Michigan Crisis and Access Line at 1-844-446-4225.
As part of your intake process, you are required to provide emergency contact information. This information is maintained on file and may be used in the event of a medical or psychiatric emergency. It is your responsibility to notify MI Wellbeing LLC if your emergency contact information changes at any point during treatment. Please inform your clinician or our office staff of any updates to your emergency contact, primary care physician, prescribing provider, or other relevant safety information.
Termination of Services
Therapy is a collaborative process, and ending treatment should be done thoughtfully. Clients may choose to terminate therapy at any time, though it is recommended that they discuss this decision with their clinician to ensure a proper transition and identify any necessary referrals for continued care.
MI Wellbeing LLC reserves the right to terminate therapy services under the following circumstances: if a client repeatedly fails to attend sessions without notice; if a client engages in behavior that is disruptive, threatening, or inappropriate; or if a clinician determines that the client requires a higher level of care; if due to ethical or clinical considerations, ending or transitioning the client is appropriately indicated; if after discussing the case with the clinicians supervisor, terminating or transitioning the client’s care to another clinician is clinically indicated. In cases of termination, referrals to other providers may be offered upon request. Additionally, if a client fails to schedule an appointment for three consecutive weeks without prior arrangements, the therapeutic relationship may be considered discontinued.
Questions about this page or any of our policies are always welcome. Please contact our office or speak with your clinician.