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Policies

PAYMENT FOR SERVICES

The fee for every 45-55 minute therapy session is determined between the therapist and the client on a scale from $140-200. Each client is responsible for payment of services, either through out of pocket pay, insurance, or bishop pay. Payments are made at the time of service through our merchant account. We accept all forms of major credit or debit cards, cash, or check. Some Health Savings Accounts may be accepted. Therapy services will be transferred to another agency if payment of services is not being made at the time of service or is delinquent. Unpaid client balances will be taken to collections.

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THIRD-PARTY/ECCLESIASTICAL LEADER PAY

Bishops that have authorized payment of services through fast offerings can also be billed. In the case of bishop pay, bishops are billed once a month and are responsible to cover the client/bishop agreed upon fee. Invoices for the month’s therapy sessions will be provided and payment by check is acceptable. Bishop pay clients will not receive continual services if bishops fail to pay for services 2 months in a row. When a bishop is paying part or your entire fee, an Authorization of Release of Confidential Information must be signed to allow contact with the bishop. Any bishop or ward changes necessitate a bishop authorization of services and a new release signed. Clients are ultimately responsible for any unpaid balances, not settled by bishop pay. Unpaid client balances will be taken to collections.

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APPOINTMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS

Please remember to cancel or reschedule 24 hours in advance. You will personally be responsible for the entire fee if cancellation is less than 24 hours or you do not show up to your appointment. I will utilize a reminder system, but please remember that this system may have flaws. You are responsible to remember your appointments.

The standard meeting time for psychotherapy is 45-55 minutes. Requests to change the length of sessions needs to be discussed with the therapist in order for time to be scheduled in advance.

A $10.00 service charge will be charged for any checks returned for any reason for special handling.

Cancellations and re-scheduled session will be subject to a full charge if NOT RECEIVED AT LEAST 24 BUSINESS HOURS IN ADVANCE. This is necessary because a time commitment is made to you and is held exclusively for you. I can typically fill a slot when given at least 24 hours notice. If you are late for a session, you may lose some of that session time.

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TELEPHONE ACCESSIBILITY

If you need to contact me between sessions, please leave a message on my voice mail or contact me via e-mail. I am often not immediately available; however, I will attempt to return your call or email within 24 hours. If a true emergency situation arises, please call 911 or any local emergency room.

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ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION

I cannot ensure the confidentiality of any form of communication through electronic media. If you prefer to communicate via email for issues regarding scheduling or cancellations, I will do so. While I may try to return messages in a timely manner, I cannot guarantee immediate response and request that you do not use these methods of communication to discuss therapeutic content and/or request assistance for emergencies.

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SOCIAL MEDIA AND TELECOMMUNICATION

Due to the importance of your confidentiality and the importance of minimizing dual relationships, I do not accept friend or contact requests from current clients on any social networking site (Facebook, LinkedIn, etc). I believe that adding clients as friends or contacts on these sites can compromise your confidentiality and our respective privacy. It may also blur the boundaries of our therapeutic relationship. If you have questions about this, please bring them up when we meet and we can talk more about it.

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FAMILY AND COUPLE THERAPY

Please discuss with the therapist and your partner/family members what will happen if sensitive information is revealed to the therapist outside the presence of other family members. Assessment and other information may be shared with spouses/partners/family members if this disclosure is judged to be beneficial for your treatment.  If individual therapy and couple/family are required, your therapist may refer you to a different therapist for these services in order to maintain clarity of roles. In the case of therapy with multiple adults, the signatures of all adult participants are necessary to release information.

 

MINORS

If you are a minor, your parents may be legally entitled to some information about your therapy. I will discuss with you and your parents what information is appropriate for them to receive and which issues are more appropriately kept confidential. I will let you know if I think it is appropriate, ethical or legally required to share information with your parent(s).

 

TERMINATION

Ending relationships can be difficult. Therefore, it is important to have a termination process in order to achieve some closure. The appropriate length of the termination depends on the length and intensity of the treatment. I may terminate treatment after appropriate discussion with you and a termination process if I determine that the psychotherapy is not being effectively used or if you are in default on payment. I will not terminate the therapeutic relationship without first discussing and exploring the reasons and purpose of terminating. If therapy is terminated for any reason or you request another therapist, I can provide you with a list of qualified psychotherapists to treat you. You may also choose someone on your own or from another referral source.

Should you fail to schedule an appointment for three consecutive weeks, unless other arrangements have been made in advance, for legal and ethical reasons, I must consider the professional relationship discontinued.

 

COMPLAINTS

If you are concerned about any aspect of the services you are receiving, please talk to your counselor about it. If a resolution is not reached, I will provide you with contact information for another agency that can better meet your therapeutic needs.

 

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THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW HEALTH INFORMATION MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

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I. MY PLEDGE REGARDING HEALTH INFORMATION: I understand that health information about you and your health care is personal. I am committed to protecting health information about you. I create a record of the care and services you receive from me. I need this record to provide you with quality care and to comply with certain legal requirements. This notice applies to all of the records of your care generated by this mental health care practice. This notice will tell you about the ways in which I may use and disclose health information about you. I also describe your rights to the health information I keep about you, and describe certain obligations I have regarding the use and disclosure of your health information. I am required by law to:

• Make sure that protected health information (“PHI”) that identifies you is kept private. • Give you this notice of my legal duties and privacy practices with respect to health information. • Follow the terms of the notice that is currently in effect. • I can change the terms of this Notice, and such changes will apply to all information I have about you. The new Notice will be available upon request, in my office, and on my website.

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II. HOW I MAY USE AND DISCLOSE HEALTH INFORMATION ABOUT YOU: The following categories describe different ways that I use and disclose health information. For each category of uses or disclosures I will explain what I mean and try to give some examples. Not every use or disclosure in a category will be listed. However, all of the ways I am permitted to use and disclose information will fall within one of the categories.

For Treatment Payment, or Health Care Operations: Federal privacy rules (regulations) allow health care providers who have direct treatment relationship with the patient/client to use or disclose the patient/client’s personal health information without the patient’s written authorization, to carry out the health care provider’s own treatment, payment or health care operations. I may also disclose your protected health information for the treatment activities of any health care provider. This too can be done without your written authorization. For example, if a clinician were to consult with another licensed health care provider about your condition, we would be permitted to use and disclose your person health information, which is otherwise confidential, in order to assist the clinician in diagnosis and treatment of your mental health condition.

Disclosures for treatment purposes are not limited to the minimum necessary standard. Because therapists and other health care providers need access to the full record and/or full and complete information in order to provide quality care. The word “treatment” includes, among other things, the coordination and management of health care providers with a third party, consultations between health care providers and referrals of a patient for health care from one health care provider to another.

Lawsuits and Disputes: If you are involved in a lawsuit, I may disclose health information in response to a court or administrative order. I may also disclose health information about your child in response to a subpoena, discovery request, or other lawful process by someone else involved in the dispute, but only if efforts have been made to tell you about the request or to obtain an order protecting the information requested.

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III. CERTAIN USES AND DISCLOSURES REQUIRE YOUR AUTHORIZATION:

1.     Psychotherapy Notes. I do keep “psychotherapy notes” as that term is defined in 45 CFR § 164.501, and any use or disclosure of such notes requires your Authorization unless the use or disclosure is: a. For my use in treating you. b. For my use in training or supervising mental health practitioners to help them improve their skills in group, joint, family, or individual counseling or therapy. c. For my use in defending myself in legal proceedings instituted by you. d. For use by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to investigate my compliance with HIPAA. e. Required by law and the use or disclosure is limited to the requirements of such law. f. Required by law for certain health oversight activities pertaining to the originator of the psychotherapy notes. g. Required by a coroner who is performing duties authorized by law. h. Required to help avert a serious threat to the health and safety of others.

2.     Marketing Purposes. As a psychotherapist, I will not use or disclose your PHI for marketing purposes.

3.     Sale of PHI. As a psychotherapist, I will not sell your PHI in the regular course of my business.

 

IV. CERTAIN USES AND DISCLOSURES DO NOT REQUIRE YOUR AUTHORIZATION. Subject to certain limitations in the law, I can use and disclose your PHI without your Authorization for the following reasons:

1.     When disclosure is required by state or federal law, and the use or disclosure complies with and is limited to the relevant requirements of such law.

2.     For public health activities, including reporting suspected child, elder, or dependent adult abuse, or preventing or reducing a serious threat to anyone’s health or safety.

3.     For health oversight activities, including audits and investigations.

4.     For judicial and administrative proceedings, including responding to a court or administrative order, although my preference is to obtain an Authorization from you before doing so.

5.     For law enforcement purposes, including reporting crimes occurring on my premises.

6.     To coroners or medical examiners, when such individuals are performing duties authorized by law.

7.     For research purposes, including studying and comparing the mental health of patients who received one form of therapy versus those who received another form of therapy for the same condition.

8.     Specialized government functions, including, ensuring the proper execution of military missions; protecting the President of the United States; conducting intelligence or counter-intelligence operations; or, helping to ensure the safety of those working within or housed in correctional institutions.

9.     For workers' compensation purposes. Although my preference is to obtain an Authorization from you, I may provide your PHI in order to comply with workers' compensation laws.

10.  Appointment reminders and health related benefits or services. I may use and disclose your PHI to contact you to remind you that you have an appointment with me. I may also use and disclose your PHI to tell you about treatment alternatives, or other health care services or benefits that I offer.

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V. CERTAIN USES AND DISCLOSURES REQUIRE YOU TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO OBJECT.

1.     Disclosures to family, friends, or others. I may provide your PHI to a family member, friend, or other person that you indicate is involved in your care or the payment for your health care, unless you object in whole or in part. The opportunity to consent may be obtained retroactively in emergency situations.

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VI. YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING RIGHTS WITH RESPECT TO YOUR PHI:

1.     The Right to Request Limits on Uses and Disclosures of Your PHI. You have the right to ask me not to use or disclose certain PHI for treatment, payment, or health care operations purposes. I am not required to agree to your request, and I may say “no” if I believe it would affect your health care.

2.     The Right to Request Restrictions for Out-of-Pocket Expenses Paid for In Full. You have the right to request restrictions on disclosures of your PHI to health plans for payment or health care operations purposes if the PHI pertains solely to a health care item or a health care service that you have paid for out-of-pocket in full.

3.     The Right to Choose How I Send PHI to You. You have the right to ask me to contact you in a specific way (for example, home or office phone) or to send mail to a different address, and I will agree to all reasonable requests.

4.     The Right to See and Get Copies of Your PHI. Other than “psychotherapy notes,” you have the right to get an electronic or paper copy of your medical record and other information that I have about you. I will provide you with a copy of your record, or a summary of it, if you agree to receive a summary, within 30 days of receiving your written request, and I may charge a reasonable, cost based fee for doing so.

5.     The Right to Get a List of the Disclosures I Have Made.You have the right to request a list of instances in which I have disclosed your PHI for purposes other than treatment, payment, or health care operations, or for which you provided me with an Authorization. I will respond to your request for an accounting of disclosures within 60 days of receiving your request. The list I will give you will include disclosures made in the last six years unless you request a shorter time. I will provide the list to you at no charge, but if you make more than one request in the same year, I will charge you a reasonable cost based fee for each additional request.

6.     The Right to Correct or Update Your PHI. If you believe that there is a mistake in your PHI, or that a piece of important information is missing from your PHI, you have the right to request that I correct the existing information or add the missing information. I may say “no” to your request, but I will tell you why in writing within 60 days of receiving your request.

7.     The Right to Get a Paper or Electronic Copy of this Notice. You have the right get a paper copy of this Notice, and you have the right to get a copy of this notice by e-mail. And, even if you have agreed to receive this Notice via e-mail, you also have the right to request a paper copy of it.

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Terms and Conditions

Lauren Barnes Counseling PLLC ("us", "we", or "our") operates the website www.laurenbtherapy.com (the "Site"). Please read these terms and conditions carefully before using our Site and services ("Services"). Use of our Site, including but not limited to the purchase of digital products, guides, or retreat registrations ("Products"), signifies acceptance of all terms and conditions presented here and within any other policies noted on our Site. If you do not agree to be bound by all of these Terms, do not access or use our Site and Services.

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INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

  1. Except where expressly stated otherwise, all right, title, and interest in and to the Site and all Content and Services, Site source code, processes, designs, technologies, URLs, domain names, and products noted below ("Content") are fully vested in us and are protected by applicable copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, database rights, or other proprietary rights and laws.

  2. You agree that the Lauren Barnes Counseling PLLC Site, Content, and Service, including but not limited to all guides, digital downloads, logos, graphics, user interface, written content, branding materials, and social media content are the exclusive property of Lauren Barnes Counseling PLLC (the creator and owner) and are protected by applicable intellectual property and other applicable laws, including but not limited to copyright and trademark laws.

  3. You agree that you will not use any proprietary information or materials in any way whatsoever except for use of the Service in compliance with these Terms and Conditions. No portion of Lauren Barnes Counseling PLLC's intellectual property may be reproduced, except as expressly permitted in these terms. You agree not to modify, sell, loan, copy, redistribute, or create derivative works from any portion of the intellectual property of Lauren Barnes Counseling PLLC.
     

CONTENT USE RESTRICTIONS

  1. No part of Lauren Barnes Counseling PLLC's intellectual property or digital products may be reproduced, distributed, sold, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including but not limited to photocopying, recording, or other electronic methods, without prior written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

  2. You agree that access and use of the Site, Content, and Services is subject to these Terms, including the disclaimers and limitations of liability herein. In some instances, we may permit additional access to and use of Content, subject to certain Additional Terms.

  3. For requests, contact Lauren Barnes Counseling PLLC with the subject line "Attention: Permissions Request." See CONTACT US on the home page or in the contact form below.
     

ENGAGEMENT OF THE SITE AND SERVICES

  1. You agree to use the Site, Content, and Products as intended, including: purchasing digital guides or resources, registering for retreats or events, joining the newsletter mailing list, personal use of Products, reading the information visibly provided on the Site (such as the blog, policies, or other areas of content), or contacting us.

  2. You may not use any software or other devices or means to gain access to the Site including its internal systems, source coding, or other means of exploitation. This includes but is not limited to any attempts to access, copy, monitor, or test the vulnerability of any portion of the Site and its Content.

  3. You agree not to use the Site or any of its Services for unlawful purposes or in an unlawful manner. You agree to comply with all applicable local, state, federal and international laws, statutes, and regulations regarding use of the Site. You agree not to use or permit anyone to use information provided through the Site for any unlawful or unauthorized purpose. You agree not to register under a false name or use an invalid or unauthorized bank account.
     

PURCHASE TERMS

  1. All users must read and agree to these Terms and Conditions prior to completing any purchase of Products or Services.

  2. Payments can be made via debit or credit cards issued by VISA, MASTERCARD, and DISCOVER, as well as bank ACH transfers from FDIC-insured banks and credit union ACH transfers from NCUA-insured credit unions. No other forms of payment are accepted through the Site.

  3. All items must be paid for in full at the time of completing any order.

  4. You agree that Lauren Barnes Counseling PLLC is not liable for any fees incurred due to a purchase from our Site creating a deficit in your bank account.

  5. The card information provided must:

    • Be a valid card number that is not expired

    • Be issued to the purchaser

    • Have the associated bank account information issued in the purchaser's name

    • Have adequate funds in said account to pay for the purchase in full
       

REFUND POLICY

  1. Client satisfaction is important to us. If you have any concerns or issues with a digital Product purchased through the Site, please contact us within 30 days of purchase.

  2. Due to the nature of digital products (guides, downloads, and resources), all such sales are final once the item has been delivered. We do not offer returns, refunds, or exchanges on digital downloads once access has been granted.

  3. Retreat registrations are governed separately by the Retreat Terms & Conditions provided at the time of registration, which include their own specific cancellation and refund schedule. In the event of any conflict between this Refund Policy and the Retreat Terms & Conditions, the Retreat Terms & Conditions control for retreat purchases.

  4. Refunds may be granted in cases of duplicate transactions or errors on the part of Lauren Barnes Counseling PLLC. Any such exception will be reviewed and approved at our sole discretion.
     

WARRANTIES

  1. We do not offer any warranties for our digital products, whether verbally, written, or implied. Should you have any questions regarding your purchase, please refer to the REFUND POLICY above.
     

GOVERNING LAW

  1. This agreement is governed by the laws of the state of Utah, and you consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of courts in Utah in all disputes arising out of or relating to the use of the Site. Use of the Site is unauthorized in any jurisdiction that does not give effect to all provisions of these Terms.

  2. Lauren Barnes Counseling PLLC reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to restrict or terminate access to the Site or Services at any time, without notice.

  3. No joint venture, partnership, employment, or agency relationship exists between you and Lauren Barnes Counseling PLLC as a result of this agreement or use of the Site.
     

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

  1. Nothing in Lauren Barnes Counseling PLLC's business policies, and particularly in these Terms and Conditions, shall attempt to exclude liability that cannot be excluded under applicable laws.

  2. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, you expressly acknowledge and agree that Lauren Barnes Counseling PLLC and its affiliates shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages (including, without limitation, damages for lost profits, revenue, goodwill, use, content, or other intangible losses) however caused, under any theory of liability, including but not limited to:

    • the Service (including Content and user-content)

    • your use or inability to use the Service or the performance of the Service

    • any action taken in connection with copyright or other intellectual property owners or other rights owners

    • any injury you sustain directly or indirectly as a result of your use of the Service or any products purchased through the Service

    • any action taken by Lauren Barnes Counseling PLLC or its affiliates or law enforcement authorities in connection with an investigation regarding your access to or use of the Service

    • any errors or omissions in the Service's technical operation

    • any damage to any user's computer, hardware, software, modem, or other equipment or technology

    Note: this section covers use of the website and digital products. Physical and emotional risks specific to attending an in-person retreat are separately addressed in the Retreat Terms & Conditions' liability waiver.

  3. The foregoing limitations of liability will apply even if any of the foregoing events or circumstances were foreseeable and even if Lauren Barnes Counseling PLLC was advised of or should have known of the possibility of such losses or damages, regardless of whether you bring an action based in contract, negligence, strict liability, or tort.

  4. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Lauren Barnes Counseling PLLC's total liability to you for all possible damages, losses, and causes of action in connection with your access to and use of the Service and your rights under these terms will not exceed an amount equal to the amount you have paid Lauren Barnes Counseling PLLC in connection with the transaction(s) that underlie the claim(s), except as may be provided in any additional terms. This provision will not apply if a tribunal with applicable jurisdiction finds such to be unconscionable.
     

INJUNCTIVE OR OTHER EQUITABLE RELIEF WAIVER

  1. If you claim to have incurred any damages, loss, or injuries when using our Service or Products, these claims will not be irreparable or sufficient to entitle you to an injunction or any other equitable relief.
     

INDEMNIFICATION

  1. You agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Lauren Barnes Counseling PLLC, its employees, agents, and third parties, for any losses, costs, liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees) relating to or arising out of your use of or inability to use the Site or Services, any user postings made by you, your violation of any terms of this Agreement, or your violation of any rights of a third party or any applicable laws, rules, or regulations. Lauren Barnes Counseling PLLC reserves the right, at its own cost, to assume the exclusive defense and control of any matter otherwise subject to indemnification by you, in which event you will fully cooperate with Lauren Barnes Counseling PLLC in asserting any available defenses.
     

THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

  1. Our Site may contain links to third-party websites or services that are not owned or controlled by Lauren Barnes Counseling PLLC. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of any third-party sites. Use of any such third-party services is at your own risk.


CHANGES TO TERMS

  1. We reserve the right to update or modify these Terms and Conditions at any time without prior notice. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting. Your continued use of the Site or Services after such modifications constitutes your acknowledgment and acceptance of the modified terms.
     

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

  1. These Terms and Conditions, along with our Client Policies and Notice of Privacy Practices, constitute the entire agreement between you and Lauren Barnes Counseling PLLC with respect to the use of the Site and Services. Registration for a retreat is additionally governed by the Retreat Terms & Conditions provided at the time of registration.
     

SEVERABILITY

  1. If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable under applicable law, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.
     

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

  1. In the event the parties are not able to resolve any dispute between them arising out of or concerning these Terms and Conditions, or any provisions hereof, whether in contract, in tort, or otherwise at law or in equity for damages or any other relief, then such dispute shall be resolved only by final and binding arbitration pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act, conducted by a single neutral arbitrator. All disputes will be subject to arbitration procedures and take place in the state of Utah in accordance with the Utah Uniform Arbitration Act.

    • You agree to pursue any disputes that could not be resolved first through communicating with Lauren Barnes Counseling PLLC through arbitration. You agree that this process will take place in the state of Utah and in no other location.

    • For detailed information regarding the process of arbitration, please refer to Utah's Chapter 11 Utah Uniform Arbitration Act.

    • The entire dispute, including the scope and enforceability of this arbitration provision, shall be determined by the Arbitrator. This arbitration provision shall survive the termination of these Terms and Conditions.

       

This policy was last updated August 25, 2026.

Terms and Conditions
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