Terms & Conditions
Sabine Bright, LICSW (Massachusetts & Rhode Island), LCSW (Maine)
Last Updated: October, 2026
1. General Terms
These Terms and Conditions govern the provision of psychotherapy and related clinical services by Sabine Bright, LICSW.
By scheduling an appointment, purchasing a treatment package, or participating in services, clients acknowledge these Terms, subject to applicable informed-consent requirements and other legal protections. Clients are encouraged to review these Terms carefully and ask questions before beginning treatment. These Terms supplement, but do not replace, any separately required informed-consent documents, financial agreements, telehealth consent forms, or Notice of Privacy Practices.
2. Professional Licensure and Scope of Services
The Clinician is independently licensed to provide clinical social work and psychotherapy services in the following states:
- Massachusetts: Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) - LICSW1121202
- Rhode Island: Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) - ISW04991
- Maine: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - LC25583
Services may include individual psychotherapy, clinical consultation, and other clinically appropriate services within the Clinician's professional scope of practice.
Services are offered in person and through telehealth, subject to clinical appropriateness, availability, and applicable laws and regulations. Psychotherapy does not guarantee any particular clinical outcome.
3. Appointments and Session Duration
Appointments are scheduled in advance and reserved exclusively for each client. Standard psychotherapy sessions are 50 minutes unless otherwise agreed upon. Requests for longer or shorter sessions must be discussed and approved in advance. Clients who arrive late may receive a shortened session ending at the originally scheduled time. The full scheduled session fee may still apply, or the appointment may count as a used session under a prepaid treatment package, subject to applicable law.
4. Cancellations, Rescheduling, and No-Shows
Clients must provide at least 24 hours' advance notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Appointments cancelled or rescheduled with less than 24 hours' notice, as well as missed appointments (“no-shows”), will be subject to a fee equal to the full scheduled session fee. Cancellation requests must be communicated through the Practice's designated scheduling or communication channels. Notice is considered provided when received through an approved channel.
4.1 Prepaid Treatment Packages
For clients who have purchased a prepaid treatment package, appointments cancelled or rescheduled with less than 24 hours' notice, or missed without notice, will be considered used sessions and deducted from the remaining sessions in the package. Such sessions will not be refunded, credited, or replaced unless an exception is approved by the Practice or otherwise required by law. Clients with prepaid treatment packages will not be charged an additional late-cancellation or no-show fee for the same appointment.
4.2 Emergency Exceptions
Exceptions may be considered in cases of documented emergencies, sudden serious illness, or extraordinary circumstances beyond the client's reasonable control. The Practice reserves the discretion to determine, on a case-by-case basis, whether an exception is warranted. Supporting documentation may be requested when reasonably necessary. Submission of documentation does not automatically guarantee approval of an exception. All decisions will be made reasonably, consistently, and in accordance with applicable law and professional ethical obligations.
5. Fees, Payment, and Treatment Packages
The Practice operates exclusively on a private-pay basis. Clients are responsible for payment of all services in accordance with the agreed-upon fee schedule and financial agreement. Unless otherwise agreed upon in writing, payment is due at the time services are provided.
5.1 Treatment Package Purchases
When treatment packages are offered, the number of sessions, duration, total purchase price, and applicable terms will be disclosed before purchase. Treatment packages do not guarantee a particular clinical outcome or limit a client's right to discontinue treatment. Unused-session refunds, credits, expiration provisions, and other financial conditions will be governed by the applicable written package agreement, state law, and professional ethical requirements. Prepaid funds will be handled in accordance with applicable legal and professional obligations.
5.2 Outstanding Balances
Clients are responsible for outstanding balances. The Practice may discuss payment arrangements or review the continuation of treatment when balances remain overdue, consistent with clinical needs, applicable law, and professional ethical responsibilities. Legally required access to clinical records will not be withheld solely because of an unpaid balance.
5.3 Good Faith Estimates
Clients who are uninsured or who choose to pay for healthcare services without using insurance are entitled to a Good Faith Estimate of expected charges under applicable federal law. A written Good Faith Estimate will be provided when required and upon request. Clients may have the right to dispute certain bills that substantially exceed their Good Faith Estimate.
6. Telehealth Services and Geographic Restrictions
Telehealth services are provided through electronic communication technology, typically secure video conferencing or, when appropriate and legally permitted, telephone sessions. Telehealth may offer increased convenience and accessibility but involves potential risks, including technical interruptions, privacy concerns, and limitations in clinical observation or emergency response.
6.1 Authorized Locations
The Clinician is licensed to provide psychotherapy services in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Maine. Telehealth services may be provided to clients physically located in these states, subject to applicable licensing laws, clinical appropriateness, and other regulatory requirements. Clients are required to notify the Clinician in advance if they intend to participate in a telehealth session while physically located outside Massachusetts, Rhode Island, or Maine. A client's permanent residence, billing address, or usual location does not determine whether services may legally be provided. The client's physical location at the time of the appointment is relevant.
6.2 Failure to Disclose Physical Location
Failure to notify the Clinician in advance of a physical location outside the states in which the Clinician is authorized to practice may result in the appointment being cancelled on short notice or the session being terminated immediately upon discovery of the client's location. The Clinician is not obligated to conduct or continue a session when doing so would violate applicable licensing laws, professional regulations, or ethical standards. In these circumstances, the Practice does not guarantee that the appointment can be rescheduled without an additional charge or that fees already paid will be refunded or credited. For clients with prepaid treatment packages, the affected appointment may be counted as a used session and deducted from the remaining sessions in the package.
Any applicable charges, package deductions, refunds, or credits will be determined in accordance with the Practice's financial and cancellation policies, applicable law, and professional ethical obligations. The Practice reserves the discretion to consider exceptional circumstances on a case-by-case basis.
6.3 Telehealth Participation
By participating in telehealth services, clients acknowledge that:
- Telehealth is voluntary and may be declined or discontinued, subject to applicable law and clinical considerations.
- Telehealth may not be clinically appropriate in all circumstances.
- Clients are responsible for participating from a reasonably private, safe, and appropriate location.
- The Clinician may request confirmation of the client's physical location and emergency contact information.
- Technical interruptions may require reconnection, rescheduling, or an alternative communication method.
- Sessions may not be recorded without prior agreement and any consent required by applicable law.
- The Clinician may recommend in-person services or an alternative provider when clinically appropriate.
7. Electronic Communications
Email, text messaging, voicemail, and other electronic communication methods are intended primarily for scheduling and administrative purposes. The Practice is not continuously available through these communication channels. The Clinician generally attempts to respond to nonurgent messages within one business day, although response times may vary. Electronic communication may involve privacy and security risks. Reasonable safeguards are maintained as required by applicable law, but complete security cannot be guaranteed. Clients are encouraged to use designated secure communication systems when available. Electronic communications may be incorporated into clinical records when clinically or legally appropriate. Electronic communication channels must not be used for emergencies or urgent crisis intervention.
8. Emergencies and Crisis Services
The Practice does not provide 24-hour crisis intervention or emergency services. Clients experiencing a mental health crisis may contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. In situations involving immediate danger, medical emergencies, or imminent risk of serious harm, clients should call 911 or seek assistance at the nearest emergency department. Voicemail, email, text messaging, and client portal messages are not continuously monitored.
9. Confidentiality and Privacy
The Practice maintains client confidentiality in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and professional ethical standards. Confidentiality may be limited when disclosure is required or permitted by law, including certain circumstances involving suspected abuse or neglect, serious safety concerns, court orders, or other legally authorized disclosures. When appropriate and legally permissible, the Clinician will make reasonable efforts to discuss necessary disclosures with the client. Additional information about privacy rights, clinical records, and permitted disclosures is provided in the Practice's Notice of Privacy Practices, where applicable.
10. Social Media and Professional Boundaries
To maintain professional boundaries and protect client confidentiality, the Clinician does not accept social media friend requests, follow requests, or professional networking invitations from current or former clients. Clinical communication through social media messaging is not permitted. Clients are free to share their experiences publicly, including through online reviews.
However, the Clinician will not publicly acknowledge or confirm a therapeutic relationship in response to online reviews, comments, or social media posts, even when a client has publicly identified themselves. Incidental encounters outside the therapeutic setting will be handled with respect for client privacy and confidentiality.
11. Clinical Records
Clinical records are maintained in accordance with applicable legal and professional requirements. Clients may request access to their records as provided by applicable law. Records will be retained for the legally required period. Requests for records, amendments, or authorized disclosures should be submitted through the Practice's designated process. Any applicable fees will comply with legal requirements.
12. Coordination of Care
With appropriate authorization, the Clinician may communicate with other healthcare professionals involved in a client's treatment when clinically beneficial. Information will be shared only as permitted or required by applicable law and consistent with professional ethical standards.
13. Legal Proceedings and Court-Related Services
Psychotherapy is provided for treatment purposes and does not constitute a forensic evaluation. The Clinician does not guarantee the provision of opinions regarding custody, parenting capacity, disability, employment fitness, or other legal matters. Requests for records, testimony, depositions, reports, or other information connected to legal proceedings will be handled in accordance with applicable law, confidentiality obligations, and professional ethical requirements. Any fees for services outside ordinary psychotherapy will be disclosed separately and will be subject to applicable law.
14. Recording and Artificial Intelligence
Psychotherapy sessions may not be recorded by clients without prior agreement and any consent required by applicable law. The Practice will not use artificial intelligence tools to record, transcribe, or analyze psychotherapy sessions without appropriate disclosure, required authorization or consent, and legally sufficient privacy and security safeguards. Technology used in connection with services will be subject to applicable confidentiality and data protection requirements.
15. Therapist Availability and Absences
The Clinician may occasionally be unavailable due to vacations, illness, professional obligations, or other circumstances. When reasonably possible, planned absences will be communicated in advance. Alternative resources or professional coverage information may be provided when clinically appropriate. Clients requiring continuous crisis monitoring or immediate access to clinical services should discuss whether the Practice can adequately meet their needs.
16. Termination and Discontinuation of Services
Clients may discontinue psychotherapy at any time. Whenever possible, clients are encouraged to discuss their decision to end treatment so that progress can be reviewed and appropriate closure can occur. The Clinician may recommend or initiate termination when treatment is no longer clinically appropriate, when a client's needs exceed the scope of services available, when treatment is not progressing effectively, or when other circumstances make continued treatment impracticable or inappropriate. When termination is initiated by the Clinician, reasonable efforts will be made to provide appropriate notice, discuss treatment options, offer referrals when indicated, and facilitate continuity of care consistent with applicable legal and ethical obligations.
17. Inactive Clients
If a client has not attended or scheduled an appointment for three consecutive weeks, and no alternative arrangement has been made, the Practice may contact the client to determine whether treatment will continue. If the client cannot be reached after reasonable outreach, an administrative discharge process may be initiated, including appropriate written notice and referral information when indicated. A lapse in scheduling does not automatically terminate the therapeutic relationship.
18. Client Rights and Concerns
Clients have the right to respectful and professional treatment. Clients may ask questions about services, fees, confidentiality, or these Terms at any time. Clients may decline recommended treatment, request referrals, or discontinue services, subject to applicable legal and clinical considerations. Clients may raise concerns directly with the Practice or contact the appropriate professional licensing authority. The Practice prohibits retaliation against clients for exercising their legal rights or raising good-faith concerns.
19. Changes to These Terms
The Practice reserves the right to update these Terms to reflect changes in legal requirements, professional standards, clinical procedures, or administrative practices. Material changes affecting clients will be communicated in advance when appropriate or required by law. Changes will be implemented consistently with applicable law and existing written agreements.