Terms of Service

Welcome to Clara Counseling & Psychological Services. By accessing or using our website and services, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. Please read them carefully before using our services.

1. Services Provided

Clara Counseling & Psychological Services provides mental health counseling, psychotherapy, and psychological assessment services. Our services include but are not limited to:

• Individual therapy
• Couples and family therapy
• Child and adolescent counseling
• Psychological testing and assessments
• Telehealth/video therapy sessions

2. Not Emergency Services

We do not provide 24/7 crisis services. Messages left outside of business hours will be returned on the next business day. For after-hours concerns that are not emergencies, please wait for a return call during regular business hours.

3. Eligibility and Consent

By using our services, you represent that:

• You are at least 18 years old, or you are the parent/legal guardian of a minor seeking services
• You have the legal capacity to enter into these terms
• You will provide accurate and complete information
• You understand that treatment requires your active participation

For clients under 18, a parent or legal guardian must consent to treatment and agrees to these terms on behalf of the minor.

4. Scheduling and Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Notice: We require at least 24 hours notice for appointment cancellations or rescheduling.

Late Cancellations: Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice may be subject to a late cancellation fee.

No-Shows: Missed appointments without notice may be charged the full session fee.

We understand that emergencies happen and will consider extenuating circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

5. Fees and Payment

Payment is due at the time of service unless other arrangements have been made. We accept credit/debit cards, HSA/FSA cards, cash, and checks. By providing payment information, you authorize us to charge the applicable fees.

If you are using insurance, you are responsible for understanding your benefits, including any deductibles, copays, or coverage limits. You are responsible for any charges not covered by your insurance.

We reserve the right to modify our fees with reasonable notice. Current fees are available on our Insurance & Fees page.

6. Confidentiality

Your confidentiality is of utmost importance to us. Information shared in therapy is protected by law and professional ethics. However, there are legal exceptions where we may be required to disclose information, including:

• When there is risk of imminent harm to yourself or others
• When there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elderly person, or disabled adult
• When required by court order
• When you provide written authorization

For complete details, please review our Privacy Policy.

7. Telehealth Services

By participating in telehealth sessions, you understand and agree that:

• Telehealth involves electronic transmission of personal information
• We use HIPAA-compliant video platforms to protect your privacy
• Technical difficulties may occasionally interrupt services
• You are responsible for ensuring a private, secure location for sessions
• You must be physically located in a state where your therapist is licensed during sessions

8. Website Use

When using our website, you agree not to:

• Use the site for any unlawful purpose
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the site
• Interfere with the proper functioning of the site
• Copy, modify, or distribute our content without permission
• Use automated systems to access the site without our consent

9. Intellectual Property

All content on this website, including text, graphics, logos, images, and software, is the property of Clara Counseling & Psychological Services or its content suppliers and is protected by copyright and intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without our express written permission.

10. Disclaimer of Warranties

While we strive to provide high-quality mental health services, we cannot guarantee specific outcomes. The information on our website is provided for general informational purposes and should not be considered professional advice.

Our website and its content are provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. We do not warrant that the site will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free of viruses or other harmful components.

11. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Clara Counseling & Psychological Services shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of your use of our services or website. This limitation applies regardless of the legal theory on which the claim is based.

12. Termination of Services

Either you or your therapist may choose to terminate the therapeutic relationship at any time. If termination occurs, we will provide appropriate referrals when possible. We reserve the right to terminate services if:

• There is a conflict of interest
• Services are no longer beneficial or appropriate
• There are repeated no-shows or late cancellations
• There is abusive or threatening behavior toward staff
• There is non-payment for services rendered

13. Governing Law

These Terms of Service shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any disputes arising under these terms shall be resolved in the courts of Cook County, Illinois.

14. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms of Service at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to the website. Your continued use of our services after any changes constitutes acceptance of the new terms. We encourage you to review these terms periodically.

15. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us: