The following contains important information about my professional services and policies. Please read the entire document carefully and ask me any questions you have regarding its contents.
Introduction
I, Terumi Pettas, am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (lic.# LMFT48914) registered with the State of California Board of Behavioral Sciences. I earned my Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Addiction Studies from John F. Kennedy University in 2005. I am a member of the California Association for Marriage and Family Therapists. Please feel free to ask questions at any time about my background, experience and professional orientation.
About the Therapy Process
It is my intention to provide services that will assist you in reaching your goals. We are partners in the therapeutic process. As partners, we will work together to develop a plan for your treatment. Based on the information you provide to me and the specifics of your situation, I will offer feedback and recommendations regarding your treatment and progress. Over the course of therapy, I will attempt to evaluate whether the therapy provided is beneficial to you. While I hope our work together will be effective, the amount and length of treatment varies from patient to patient. I am unable to predict how long you will be in therapy or guarantee a specific outcome or result of our work together. The length of therapy sessions are determined based on each individual’s needs but are generally 45 minutes a session. Typically, sessions are scheduled once per week, at the same day and time each week. Consistent attendance contributes greatly to a successful outcome.
Questions Regarding Fees
All inquiries regarding fees and subscription should be made directly with BetterHelp. I do not have access to or knowledge about client subscription or fee structure.
Your Right to Confidentiality
As a psychotherapy patient, you have a right to confidentiality with respect to information related to our work together. Accordingly, information shared between us will generally remain confidential.
Exceptions to Confidentiality
In certain, limited instances, the law requires me to disclose information pertaining to my work with you. For example, as a therapist I am required to report suspected child, elder, and dependent adult abuse. Similarly, in the event that I believe you present a serious and imminent danger to yourself, another person, or the public, I may be required to disclose information to emergency medical services, law enforcement, and/or another third party that can help to reduce or prevent that danger.
Confidentiality and Treatment of Minors
If a minor’s parent(s) or guardian(s) give consent for me to treat the minor, I typically provide the parent(s) or guardian(s) with general updates about the minor’s treatment. These updates may include the minor’s diagnosis, treatment plan, progress in therapy, session attendance, or similar information. However, I generally do not share specific details about the minor’s treatment or what the minor has shared with me during sessions unless: 1) the minor gives me permission to disclose such information and I believe the disclosure would be clinically appropriate; or 2) the minor is experiencing a crisis or other emergency circumstance that would authorize me to break confidentiality.
If the minor consents to their own treatment, the law generally prohibits me from communicating with their parent(s) or guardian(s) without written authorization from the minor unless the minor is experiencing a crisis or other emergency circumstance that would authorize me to break confidentiality.
Please feel free to reach out to me if you have questions about these policies or if you would like to discuss them further.
Confidentiality and Couples / Family Therapy
If you are participating in couples or family therapy, please be aware that, in most circumstances, the law prohibits me from disclosing confidential information and records regarding the unit of treatment’s services unless all identified patients provide written authorization to release the information.
Urgent / Emergency Communications
I am unable to provide 24-hour crisis service. If you are ever experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency or if you are facing an emergency involving a threat to your safety or the safety of someone else, please call 911 to request emergency assistance. In the event of a mental health crisis, you may also call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing “988.”
Termination of Therapy
The length of your treatment and the timing of the eventual termination of your treatment depend on your clinical needs, the specifics of your treatment plan, and the progress you make towards achieving your treatment goals. While I hope you will find our time together beneficial and meaningful, I cannot guarantee the specific outcome(s) or result(s) your treatment will yield. You may discontinue therapy at any time. If one of us determines you are not benefiting from treatment, we can discuss treatment alternatives. These alternatives may include, among other possibilities, changes to your treatment plan, referrals to other therapists, and/or termination of treatment.
Social Media Policy:
I do not accept or initiate invitations to connect or communicate on any social media site with any current or former client.
Questions About My Policies
Please let me know if you have any questions about my policies or if you would like to discuss them further.
NOTICE TO CLIENTS
The Board of Behavioral Sciences receives and responds to complaints regarding services provided within the scope of practice of marriage and family therapists. You may contact the board online at www.bbs.ca.gov, or by calling (916) 574-7830.
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, Family conflicts, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Sleeping disorders, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Abandonment, Attachment issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Divorce and separation, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Impulsivity, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Mood disorders, Narcissism, Post-traumatic stress, Self-love, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Workplace issues
CA LMFT 48914
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Terumi Pettas. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Terumi's active listening and unwavering support have been instrumental in my personal growth. Her exceptional ability to guide me towards a state of mental and emotional equilibrium, from where I initially started, is truly remarkable. I express my deepest gratitude for her invaluable assistance.
Written on Apr 08, 2024 after therapy with Terumi for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue