intake

kids intake

release of information

When creating a therapy website, having the right forms readily available is crucial for both the convenience of your clients and for ensuring that you meet legal and ethical guidelines. Here are some common forms you should consider providing, along with a brief description of their purpose:

1. Client Intake Form

• Purpose: This is typically the first form a new client fills out. It gathers basic information about the client (e.g., name, contact details, insurance info) as well as their mental health history, presenting concerns, and emergency contacts.

• Included: Personal details, mental health history, presenting issues, goals for therapy, consent for treatment, and billing information.

2. Informed Consent Form

• Purpose: This form explains the therapist’s policies, procedures, and ethical guidelines for treatment. It ensures that clients understand their rights and responsibilities, including confidentiality, the limits of confidentiality, and the nature of the therapeutic relationship.

• Included: Confidentiality, boundaries, emergencies, session policies (e.g., cancellations), and what to expect from therapy.

3. HIPAA Privacy Notice

• Purpose: This is a legal requirement in the U.S. to inform clients about how their health information will be used, stored, and protected according to HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).

• Included: Privacy practices, client rights, and the therapist’s duties regarding protecting personal health information (PHI).

4. Financial Policies Form

• Purpose: This form clarifies the fees, payment expectations, insurance processing (if applicable), and any additional fees (e.g., for missed appointments, phone consultations, or court appearances).

• Included: Session fees, billing process, cancellation policy, insurance acceptance, and payment methods.

5. Consent for Telehealth Services (if applicable)

• Purpose: If you offer virtual therapy, clients need to acknowledge and consent to the use of telehealth services, understanding the limits and risks (e.g., privacy, technical issues).

• Included: Acknowledgment of virtual therapy risks, privacy issues, and technological requirements.

6. Emergency Contact Form

• Purpose: This form provides emergency contact information and outlines emergency procedures for the client, in case of a crisis.

• Included: Emergency contact details, specific instructions in case of a mental health crisis, or any applicable legal or medical considerations.

7. Client Rights & Responsibilities

• Purpose: This outlines the rights of the client in therapy (e.g., to confidentiality, to ask questions) as well as their responsibilities (e.g., showing up to appointments, actively participating).

• Included: Detailed information on what clients can expect and what is expected from them in the therapeutic relationship.

8. Release of Information Form (ROI)

• Purpose: Clients may need to give written permission for you to release or receive information about their treatment from other providers (e.g., doctors, psychiatrists, schools).

• Included: Who can receive and send information, purpose of the release, and client signature.

9. Treatment Plan (Optional)

• Purpose: After a few sessions, you might provide a treatment plan outlining specific therapeutic goals, techniques, and the expected duration of therapy. This helps keep clients informed and involved in their care.

• Included: Goal-setting, interventions, progress tracking, and review dates.

10. Feedback Form

• Purpose: To gather feedback from clients about their experiences in therapy. This form can help improve your practice and ensure clients are receiving the support they need.

• Included: Questions about the therapeutic process, communication, environment, and overall satisfaction.

11. Referrals (Optional)

• Purpose: If you refer clients to other providers (e.g., psychiatrist, support group), having a referral form is useful.

• Included: Name and contact info of the referred provider, reason for referral, and any additional instructions.

12. Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP)

• Purpose: This provides information on how client data will be used and shared. While HIPAA Privacy Notice usually covers this, some practices prefer a separate NPP document to meet state laws.

• Included: Explanation of client confidentiality, data-sharing practices, and patient rights under HIPAA.

walk and talk

youth forms

school assessment form

AI consent

Tips for Form Accessibility:

• Downloadable PDFs: Ensure that forms are available as downloadable PDFs so clients can print and fill them out before their first session.

• Online Form Options: Use online form tools like JotForm, Google Forms, or your website builder’s form features to allow clients to submit forms electronically.

• Clear Instructions: Provide clear instructions on how to fill out and return the forms, especially if you require them before the first session.

Considerations for Neurodivergent Clients:

Since you serve neurodivergent clients, consider making your forms as accessible as possible. This could mean:

• Offering plain-language versions of your forms.

• Allowing extra time for clients who may have difficulty with forms.

• Providing options for different formats, such as voice recording or video for clients who may prefer that over written forms.

Having these forms easily accessible online will not only help streamline the process for your clients but also help to establish a transparent, professional, and welcoming environment for everyone who seeks your services.