Session Policies

Guidelines for Scheduling, Attendance & Cancellations

Effective Date: January 13, 2025

Last Updated: April 6, 2025

1. Introduction

At CEREVITY, we are committed to providing high-quality, confidential mental health services to our clients. These Session Policies outline important information about scheduling, attendance, cancellations, and session expectations to ensure a productive therapeutic relationship.

By scheduling and attending sessions with CEREVITY, you acknowledge and agree to abide by these policies.

2. Session Scheduling

Sessions are scheduled by mutual agreement between you and your therapist. We offer flexible scheduling to accommodate the busy lives of our clients.

Scheduling Methods:

  • Online scheduling through our client portal
  • Phone: (562) 295-6650
  • Email coordination with your therapist
  • Direct arrangement during your current session

Standard Session Length:

Individual therapy sessions are typically 50-55 minutes in duration. Extended sessions may be arranged in advance when clinically appropriate.

3. Session Attendance

Consistent attendance is essential for therapeutic progress. We ask that you:

  • Log into your virtual session 2-3 minutes before your scheduled time
  • Ensure you are in a private, quiet location for confidentiality
  • Have a stable internet connection and functional audio/video
  • Be physically located in California during all sessions
  • Notify your therapist immediately if technical difficulties arise

4. Late Arrivals

We understand that unexpected delays can occur. However, to maintain our schedule and respect other clients' time:

  • If you arrive late: Your session will end at the originally scheduled time, and you will be charged the full session fee
  • Grace period: We will wait up to 15 minutes past your scheduled start time before ending the session
  • After 15 minutes: The session will be considered a no-show and full fees apply

5. Cancellation Policy

We recognize that scheduling conflicts arise. To allow adequate time to offer your appointment to another client, we require advance notice for cancellations.

Cancellation Requirements:

✓ 24-Hour Notice (No Charge)

Cancellations made at least 24 hours (1 business day) before your scheduled appointment will incur no charge.

✖ Less Than 24-Hour Notice, No-Show, or Same-Day Cancellation

Failure to attend your scheduled session or canceling with less than 24 hours notice will result in a late cancellation fee:

  • Standard Session (50 min): $99
  • Extended Session (90 min): $175
  • Intensive Session (3 hours): $300

How to Cancel:

• Call: (562) 295-6650
• Email your therapist directly
• Use the cancellation feature in your client portal

Note: Cancellations are time-stamped when received, not when you attempt to contact us.

6. No-Show Policy

A "no-show" occurs when you miss your scheduled appointment without prior cancellation or fail to log in within 15 minutes of your scheduled start time.

No-Show Consequences:

  • You will be charged the late cancellation fee based on your session type
  • Payment must be received before scheduling future appointments
  • Repeated no-shows may result in termination of services

We understand emergencies happen. If you experience a genuine emergency that prevents you from attending or canceling in advance, please contact us as soon as possible to discuss the situation.

7. Emergency Situations

In rare cases involving documented emergencies (hospitalization, family emergency, natural disaster), cancellation fees may be waived at the therapist's discretion.

⚠️ CRISIS SITUATIONS

CEREVITY does not provide emergency or crisis services.

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency:
• Call 911
• Go to your nearest emergency room
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
• Text "HELLO" to 741741 (Crisis Text Line)

8. Payment for Missed Sessions

Late cancellation and no-show fees are due immediately and must be paid before scheduling future appointments.

Important Note About Insurance:

CEREVITY is a private-pay practice. Insurance does not cover missed appointment fees, late cancellations, or no-shows. You are responsible for the full amount regardless of insurance coverage.

9. Rescheduling

We encourage you to reschedule rather than cancel when possible to maintain therapeutic momentum.

  • With adequate notice: Rescheduling is free when done 24+ hours in advance
  • Same-day rescheduling: Not permitted; will be treated as a cancellation
  • Availability: We will make every effort to accommodate your preferred times, subject to availability

10. Therapist Cancellations

In the rare event that your therapist needs to cancel or reschedule your appointment, you will be notified as soon as possible. There is no charge to you when we cancel, and we will work with you to reschedule at your earliest convenience.

We respect your time and make every effort to honor all scheduled appointments. Therapist cancellations are rare and typically occur only due to illness or unavoidable circumstances.

11. Session Frequency

Session frequency is determined collaboratively between you and your therapist based on your clinical needs and treatment goals.

Typical Frequencies:

  • Weekly: Standard for most clients beginning treatment
  • Bi-weekly: Common during maintenance phases
  • Monthly: Appropriate for established clients with stable progress
  • More frequent: May be recommended during acute stress or crisis periods

12. Technical Difficulties

For virtual sessions, technical issues may occasionally occur. Here's how we handle them:

  • Minor disruptions: We will attempt to reconnect and continue the session
  • Session cannot continue: You will only be charged for the time completed (minimum 15 minutes)
  • Your responsibility: Ensure adequate internet connection and test your technology before sessions
  • Backup plan: Have a phone number available in case video fails

13. Policy Exceptions

While we maintain these policies to ensure quality care for all clients, we understand that exceptional circumstances occur. Requests for policy exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis at the therapist's discretion. Please contact us directly to discuss any unusual situations.

14. Changes to These Policies

CEREVITY reserves the right to modify these Session Policies at any time. Changes will be posted on our website with an updated effective date. Your continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised policies.

15. Contact Us

If you have questions about these Session Policies or need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please contact:

CEREVITY, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, P.C.

Phone: (562) 295-6650

Address: 3217 East Carson Street, Suite 319, Lakewood, CA 90712

Ready to Schedule Your Session?

Experience confidential, boutique therapy designed for high-achieving professionals in California.

What Makes CEREVITY Different:

• Private-Pay Only – No insurance paperwork or billing hassles
• Complete Discretion – Your therapy stays between you and your therapist
• Flexible Scheduling – Virtual sessions that work around your life
• Licensed Professionals – Evidence-based care from experienced clinicians

Or visit: cerevity.com

Join executives, attorneys, physicians, and other high-performing professionals who trust CEREVITY for confidential, premium mental health care.

✓ No Insurance Records • ✓ HIPAA Compliant • ✓ California Licensed

By scheduling and attending sessions with CEREVITY, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by these Session Policies.