Privacy Policy

Last Updated: January 15, 2022

Here you will find links and information regarding my privacy policies. You will also find the newly added Good Faith Estimate Policy regarding the No Surprises Act. If you become an established client, all intake forms, HIPAA policies, financial agreements, and informed consents will be sent using a secure electronic e-filing process.

If you are in crisis & in immediate need of help:

Please dial 911 and/or go to your local Emergency Department

EMERGENCY RESOURCES IN GEORGIA

 

+1-800-273-8255   National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

+1-800-799-7233    National Domestic Violence Hotline

+1-800-273-8255   Veterans Crisis Line

+1-800-366-8288   Self-Harm Hotline

+1 800-715-4225  The Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL) 24/7

Canada

The United States

Australia

The United Kingdom

International

 
 

1. Questions & Answers About Starting Therapy, Investment

Where did the Name Be Here Now Mindfulness come from?

Despite everyone’s jumped to conclusion, I actually did NOT name my practice after Ram Dass’ book. In fact I have never read it. Nothing against the guy, and the book is on my list along with a million other books written by people that I could learn a thing or two from. The name actually came about after living in Asheville, NC for years and attending a music venue there named, “Be Here Now.” As an avid live music supporter, I was known to be sitting there just about every week. It was a time when I had nothing else to do but simply just be there. No where else to go. Nothing else to do. You get the concept now. The venue has since sadly closed, so I am carrying it into a second life in my heart and soul along with all of you.

How do I contact you?

Feel free to call me, (678) 428-2730, if you reach my voicemail please leave me a name & number. Or you can simply complete this quick form and drop me a line.

What happens during an initial phone call with you?

The initial phone consult gives you an opportunity to ask me questions and decide if you’d like to work with me. It also helps me get a sense of what you’re looking for help with in therapy.  If we’re good a fit, then I’ll schedule your first session and I will send you some paperwork to complete. Don’t worry – your information will be protected & it always remains confidential.

What happens in the first session?  

The first session is really about you and your needs. It can go in a variety of ways and the only thing required is an open mind and an ounce of curiosity.

How often will we meet?

This is something we decide jointly, but mostly by you. We will decide together the frequency that makes sense to help you achieve your goals for therapy. If for some instance I feel we need to meet more frequently, I will let you know. Referrals out to more intensive therapeutic measurements might be applicable. 

Online vs. In-Person?

I have found that online therapy is just as, if not more effective than in-person therapy. 100% of my clients during COVID-19 stayed with me as we shifted to online work, and 100% of them have gravitated to liking online work and have stayed online to date. Most all of my clients are busy professionals or caretakers in some capacity. Driving in Atlanta traffic to and from an appointment quickly makes a 60 minute appointment turn into a 2 1/2 + hour appointment. Online work gives the clients the drivers seat of where, when and how they would like to “be” during our sessions. You can walk outdoors, utilize the comforting ambience of nature, find privacy in a quiet space that feels safe and secure to you, and click on and off conveniently without driving, sitting in traffic, or finding a parking space in crowded downtown Roswell.

Special requests can be made for in-person work for a $25 extra charge per session. I do have access to quite a few favorite spots around town, and we can rent them by the hour. On occasion I will request an in-person session due to deep somatic work, and in this case, the $25 extra charge will be waved.

How long will therapy take?

There aren’t any hard and fast rules when it comes to this. It entirely depends on what brought you to psychotherapy, your goals, and your effort to practice what you’re working on in your daily life.  Each person takes a different path.  When it’s time to stop therapy trust that you will know. Some clients do little tune-ups from time to time even post closing of their case. This is all aloud. There is no one way to do therapy.

Do you have a cancellation policy?

Be courteous. Use right action. Things come up in life, but respect the process (and me and my time) as well. If cancelling appointments becomes “a thing” then you might want to address why you are in counseling. If ambivalence is something we need to work on, we will certainly address it. Know that I will institute a more heavy-handed cancellation policy when required, including a fee, if it becomes problematic. Usually clients are capable of doing the right thing here.

Can someone else pay for my therapy?

Sure, but if you’re age 18 or older, they will need to know that paying for your therapy does NOT grant them access to any of the content of your therapy unless you sign a consent form and want them to have that information.

How much does therapy with you cost?

The cost of psychotherapy varies depending on the provider’s level of education, licensure status, additional certifications, and area(s) of expertise.

My sessions are 60 minutes in length and the cost $250.00. Full payment is due prior to the end of session.

Do you take insurance? 

No, I don’t accept insurance.

Oh no, but I still want to work with YOU.  Is there another way?

Absolutely!  Your insurance plan may have out-of-network coverage.  If it does, you may be able to work with me using it.  Trust me – it’s super easy!  Here’s how it works:

You pay me directly and I provide you with a monthly statement of services (called a superbill). Then, you submit (e-mail, fax, or snail mail) it to your insurance company if you decide to seek reimbursement through your insurance company’s out-of-network coverage.  Just to be clear, I make no guarantees that you’ll receive reimbursement from your insurance company. 

What if I don't want to meditate, but I still want therapy?

If you believe that you don't want to meditate or you do not think it is for you, I would invite you to try it with me first. I think you will be surprised at how fast you can get to know yourself through the experience of looking inward. I assure you it works, and as Thich Nhat Hanh says, "the way out, is in." If you are really not sure about it, I would suggest you take one of my workshops, or retreats before you decide to jump in to a one-on-one session.

 
 

2. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Just in case you would like to learn about HIPAA and how it would apply to a working relationship with Be Here Now Mindfulness, LLC…

 
 

3. No Surprises Act / Good Faith Estimate

Just in case you would like to learn about the new GFE (Good Faith Estimate)/ No Surprises Act and how it would apply to a working relationship with Be Here Now Mindfulness, LLC….

 
 

4. Security

Be Here Now Mindfulness, LLC practices are designed for the security of the client/student. I, Jennifer Finch, have not accepted insurance for many, many years because I believe in the right to privacy and personal security when it comes to our privileged mental health/medical health information. Even the insurance companies, on many occasions have failed my clients and data (including diagnoses) have “gone public” or been discovered by employers, etc. With the new No Surprises Act/ Good Faith Estimate I believe in the over arching principle to keep medical/hospital costs transparent and stable to the patient, but as this will pertain to psychological services, I am not on board with the way it is being pursued. What is being required and asked of me as well as of you is an abominable display of over-arching power that insurance companies have without a checks and balances system in place to uphold our security to our private information. This however, does not change the fact that I need to comply with the law, both federal and state as it pertains to this new policy. If you are against this new policy, please join in the process and contact your Secretary of State, or governing department of psychological licenses and help us speak our powerful voices to advocate for our privacy and security.

 
 

5. Questions & Contact Information

If you have any further questions, or wish to start the intake process, please head on over to the contact page and complete the short form.