1. Voluntary participation.
Psychotherapy with Pasadena Clinical Group ("PCG") is voluntary. You may decline or terminate treatment at any time, for any reason, without penalty. We encourage discussing termination with your clinician so we can support a smooth ending and make appropriate referrals.
2. Risks and benefits of psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy can produce meaningful benefits — reduction in symptoms, improved relationships, greater clarity, behavioral change. It can also produce temporary discomfort. Talking about difficult experiences may bring up strong emotions, and addressing patterns may temporarily destabilize parts of your life before they stabilize on a different footing. There is no guaranteed outcome. Your clinician will discuss expected benefits and possible risks for your specific work.
3. Confidentiality and its limits — California-specific exceptions.
Your communications with your clinician are confidential and protected by federal law (HIPAA) and California law (CMIA, Civil Code §56 et seq., and Welf. & Inst. Code §5328 for mental health records). Confidentiality is not absolute. California law requires us to disclose otherwise-confidential information in the following circumstances:
- Suspected child abuse or neglect — California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), Penal Code §11164 et seq. Mental health professionals are mandated reporters.
- Suspected elder or dependent adult abuse — Welf. & Inst. Code §15630.
- Imminent danger to self. If you communicate a serious, credible intent to harm yourself, we may take steps to protect you, including involuntary hospitalization under California Welf. & Inst. Code §5150.
- Imminent danger to others — Tarasoff duty to warn or protect, Civil Code §43.92. If you communicate a serious threat of physical violence against a reasonably identifiable victim, we are required to take protective action.
- Court order. A court of competent jurisdiction may compel disclosure. We will assert applicable privileges where possible and notify you when permitted by law.
4. Insurance authorization.
If you are using insurance, your insurer may require disclosure of information about your treatment (such as a diagnosis, dates of service, and treatment plan) to authorize coverage and process claims. By using insurance, you authorize this disclosure. You may choose to pay out of pocket if you prefer not to use insurance.
5. Communication outside session — email, text, phone.
Email and text are not secure modes of communication. Standard email and SMS are not encrypted end-to-end and may be accessed by third parties. We use them only for scheduling and brief logistical messages. Please do not share clinical content (descriptions of symptoms, sensitive personal experiences) by these channels. If you need a secure channel, we use a HIPAA-compliant patient portal — ask your clinician.
6. Records.
We maintain a clinical record for each client. You have the right to inspect and obtain copies of your record under California Health & Safety Code §123100 et seq. Psychotherapy notes (the clinician's process notes, separate from the clinical record) are afforded additional protection under HIPAA and may not be released without your specific authorization. Records are retained for 7 years after the last date of service for adult clients; for minor clients, records are retained until 7 years after the last date of service or until 1 year after the client reaches the age of majority, whichever is later.
7. Minors (where applicable).
California Family Code §6924 permits minors aged 12 and older to consent to mental health treatment under specified conditions. When PCG provides treatment to a minor 12 or older, the minor has rights to confidentiality under California law, with limits as described in Section 3 above. Your clinician will discuss confidentiality framing with both the minor and the parent or guardian at the outset of treatment.
8. Fees, cancellation, and no-shows.
See our Office Policies for current rates, billing procedures, cancellation requirements (typically 24 hours), and applicable fees for missed appointments and court-related work.
9. Emergency procedures.
Pasadena Clinical Group is an outpatient practice and does not provide 24/7 emergency services. In a psychiatric emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is reachable 24/7 by calling or texting 988.
10. Termination.
Either you or your clinician may terminate treatment at any time. Your clinician will give reasonable notice and provide referrals where appropriate.
11. Acknowledgment.
By signing the printed treatment-consent form provided at intake, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and consented to the terms above. This online text is informational. The signed paper or e-signed consent in your clinical record governs.