Key Ethical Principles for the Practice of Psychology

Psychologists are expected to provide services to patients only within the boundaries of their competence and to maintain competence and improve their skills and knowledge through continuing education and other educative activities.

Psychologists are expected to acknowledge, be sensitive to, and respect the diversity of values, attitudes, opinions, and culture of patients and to avoid engaging in any behavior that is discriminatory, harassing, or demeaning to others.

Psychologists are expected to avoid personal relationships with patients outside of the professional relationship, or engaging with patients in any way which might lead to exploitation or impaired objectivity in the professional role.

You, As a Patient have the Right

• to expect that a psychologist meets at least minimal qualifications of training and experience required by the State of Texas,

• to be informed of the cost of professional services before receiving them,

• to be free from sexual advances and/or other sexual conduct from your Psychologist,

• to be free of being the object of discrimination while receiving psychological services,

• to be free from exploitation for the benefit or advantage of the Psychologist.

Goals of Therapy/Counseling

You will be asked to discuss your aims and goals for therapy with Dr. Wall. Therapy is a joint effort between the psychologist and the patient, the results of which cannot be guaranteed. Progress depends on many factors including motivation, effort, and other life circumstances such as your interactions with your family, friends and other associates.

General Confidentiality

Information which you provide to Dr. Wall or to others under his supervision is confidential and will generally be released to others only with your written consent. The exceptions to this general rule are as follows:

1. If Dr. Wall believes that you are a clear danger to yourself or others,

2. If Dr. Wall becomes aware of any form of child abuse or neglect,

3. If a Court Order or other legal proceedings or statute require disclosure, or

4. If you or Dr. Wall should become involved in a lawsuit for breach of duty, failure to pay, etc.

5. In the case of minor children of divorced parents, the possessory conservator has the right to information to the same extent as a managing conservator regarding the child, and may receive this information about the child without the managing conservator's permission or knowledge, unless stated otherwise in a divorce decree. This is required by the Texas Family Code.

Professional Fees

Fees for psychological services are based on $80 per 45 minute appointment. The initial interview session is $130. 

Psychological Evaluation & Report will include time for written report preparation.

Court testimony, depositions and other outside office activities...$200 per hour (out of office time includes travel to and from, stand by, and testimony time).

Transfer of Records

We will be happy to transfer a copy of your records to another mental health professional upon your written request and release. Transfer of your records will be made in accordance with Texas health and Safety Code, Title 7, Chapter 611.

Billing and Insurance

Sheila & Ramona will assist you in completing your insurance forms and answering business questions you have. It is the policy of this office that payment will be made at each visit, unless other arrangements are agreed upon. If you have insurance, your initial visit should be paid in full and we will verify your insurance benefits for visits thereafter. We will then file your insurance and accept consignment of benefits. Your co-payment and any unmet deductible should be paid at each visit. The patient is responsible for the entire balance of the account, regardless of insurance coverage.

For children's visits: The parent accompanying the child will be financially responsible unless we are notified in writing by another party who assumes that responsibility.

Cancellations, Missed Appointments, & Termination of Therapy

Appointments which are not kept or which are canceled without 24 hours notice will be charged at Dr. Wall's regular fee and cannot be billed to your insurance. The exceptions to the 24 hour cancellation policy is an unavoidable emergency such as sudden illness or accident. You may terminate services at any time by notifying Dr. Wall or this office.

Overdue Accounts

If payment is not received within 90 days, or monthly payments are not made as agreed, Dr. Wall may submit the bill to an attorney or collection agency. Dr. Wall will also inform you in writing that future services cannot be provided, and you will be referred to another practitioner or agency to continue needed professional services if you should so desire.

Forensic Psychology: Child Custody, Competency & Other Legal Matters

In legal matters which require Dr. Wall's involvement, office policies are slightly different. Examples of theses situations would be his work with you and/or your children regarding visitation with divorced parents, child custody, competency to stand trial or be certified as an adult, or any other area which Dr. Wall's recommendations/findings are reported to your attorney or to the Court, or in situations which would require Dr. Wall's testimony as an expert witness.

Deposit Required for Legal Matters

At the time you retain Dr. Wall's services in legal matters, or are court ordered to receive services from Dr. Wall, a $500 deposit is required unless other arrangements are made. This will be held as a credit on your account and subsequent services will be debited according to the schedule showed below. When this retainer is exhausted, another $500 will be due. If Dr. Wall is to appear in court on your behalf or at your request, there must be a minimum of $500 credit balance on your account unless other specific arrangements are made. At the conclusion of Dr. Wall's involvement in your case, a refund of any unused retainer will be made to you.

In matters which are court ordered, Dr. Wall will usually be required to submit a report to the court. The attorneys for both involved parties are entitled by Texas Law, to copies of whatever documents are submitted to the court. The court can also subpoena any or all of Dr. Wall's records regarding your case. Otherwise, the matters under general confidentiality above still apply to court-ordered evaluations.

Minor Children

The State of Texas requires that Dr. Wall have the permission of

1. The Managing Conservator or

2. A Court Order

before Psychological Services can be rendered to a minor child.