Policies & Terms
Transparent, ethical practices for revolutionary healing. Your rights, our responsibilities, and shared expectations for therapeutic work.
Privacy Policy
Effective Date: January 2025
Your Privacy is Sacred
At The People's Healing Collective, we understand that privacy is foundational to healing. This policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information in accordance with HIPAA and New York State laws.
Information We Collect
- Contact Information: Name, email, phone number, address
- Health Information: Mental health history, session notes, treatment goals
- Payment Information: Billing details, sliding scale assessment
- Communication Records: Emails, texts, session recordings (with consent)
How We Use Your Information
- Provide therapeutic services and treatment planning
- Communicate about appointments and services
- Process payments and maintain records
- Comply with legal and professional obligations
We Never Share Your Information Except:
- With your written consent
- When required by law (court orders, mandated reporting)
- To prevent imminent harm to yourself or others
- For insurance billing (if applicable)
Your Rights
- Access and review your records
- Request corrections to your information
- Restrict certain uses of your information
- Request communication through specific channels
- File a complaint if you believe your privacy was violated
Data Security
We use encrypted, HIPAA-compliant platforms for all communications and record-keeping. Your information is stored securely and accessed only by authorized personnel.
Terms of Service
Effective Date: January 2025
Our Therapeutic Relationship
These terms govern the professional relationship between you and Maheen Chranya, MSW, a pre-licensed clinical social worker under supervision in New York State.
Supervision Notice: Maheen Chranya is a pre-licensed clinical social worker practicing under the clinical supervision of [Supervisor Name], LCSW, License #[Number]. Services are provided under this supervision as required by New York State law.
Services Provided
- Individual psychotherapy sessions (50 minutes)
- Community support groups
- Crisis resource referrals
- Culturally-informed mental health support
Scope of Practice
Geographic Limitations: Services are available to residents of New York State only, in compliance with licensing requirements.
Payment and Sliding Scale
- Session fees range from $0-150 based on true sliding scale
- Payment due at time of service unless other arrangements made
- No income verification required - honor system
- Financial hardship will never prevent access to care
Tax Notice: Donations to The People's Healing Collective are not tax-deductible as we are not currently a 501(c)(3) organization.
Professional Boundaries
- Therapy sessions are confidential and professional
- No dual relationships (social, business, or romantic)
- Gifts over $10 value cannot be accepted
- Social media connections are not appropriate
Termination of Services
Either party may end the therapeutic relationship at any time. We will provide appropriate referrals and transition support as needed.
Informed Consent for Therapy
Effective Date: January 2025
Understanding Therapy
Psychotherapy is a collaborative process that can help you understand yourself better, develop coping skills, and create positive changes in your life. However, it cannot guarantee specific outcomes.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and trauma
- Improved relationships and communication skills
- Better understanding of cultural identity and family dynamics
- Increased self-awareness and emotional regulation
- Development of healthy coping strategies
Potential Risks
- Temporary increase in emotional distress as issues are explored
- Relationship changes as you grow and change
- Confronting difficult memories or feelings
- No guarantee of symptom improvement
Limits of Confidentiality
While therapy is confidential, there are legal exceptions:
- Suspected child, elder, or vulnerable adult abuse
- Imminent risk of harm to yourself or others
- Court-ordered disclosure
- Insurance billing requirements
Your Rights as a Client
- Ask questions about your treatment at any time
- Request a different therapist or approach
- End therapy at any time
- Access your treatment records
- File complaints with licensing boards
Emergency Situations
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact:
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
- Emergency services: Call 911
- Go to your nearest emergency room
Important: Email and text messages are not monitored 24/7 and should not be used for crisis situations.
Telehealth Consent
Effective Date: January 2025
Understanding Telehealth
Telehealth therapy involves providing mental health services through secure video conferencing technology. This allows us to meet virtually while maintaining the same therapeutic standards as in-person sessions.
Benefits of Telehealth
- Increased accessibility and convenience
- Reduced travel time and costs
- Comfortable environment of your choice
- Continued care during illness or travel
- Particularly beneficial for anxiety or mobility issues
Potential Limitations
- Technology failures or poor internet connection
- Reduced ability to observe body language
- Potential privacy concerns in your environment
- Limited ability to respond to crisis situations
- Not appropriate for all mental health conditions
Technology Requirements
- Secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform (we provide)
- Reliable internet connection
- Device with camera and microphone
- Private space for sessions
Emergency Procedures for Telehealth
In case of a mental health emergency during a telehealth session:
- We will stay on the call with you
- Help you contact local emergency services if needed
- Provide crisis resources and support
- Follow up to ensure your safety
You must provide your current location and emergency contact information before each telehealth session.
Privacy and Security
- Sessions are conducted on encrypted, HIPAA-compliant platforms
- No session recordings without explicit consent
- Ensure privacy in your chosen location
- Use headphones when possible for confidentiality
Cancellation & No-Show Policy
Effective Date: January 2025
Our Approach to Scheduling
We understand that life happens, especially when you're dealing with mental health challenges. Our cancellation policy is designed to be flexible while respecting everyone's time.
Cancellation Guidelines
- 24-hour notice preferred: Please cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours in advance when possible
- Same-day cancellations accepted: We understand mental health fluctuates - same-day cancellations due to mental health reasons are always okay
- Emergency situations: No penalty for cancellations due to illness, family emergency, or crisis
No Punitive Fees
We do not charge cancellation fees. However, repeated no-shows without communication may affect scheduling priority to ensure fair access for all community members.
No-Show Policy
- First no-show: We'll reach out to check on you and reschedule
- Multiple no-shows: We'll discuss barriers to attendance and problem-solve together
- Continued pattern: May result in requiring 24-hour confirmations or adjusting appointment frequency
How to Cancel or Reschedule
- Email: hello@peopleshealingcollective.org
- Text: [Phone number provided separately]
- Patient portal: [If applicable]
Mental Health Days
Sometimes the best self-care is recognizing when you're not ready for therapy. We support your decision to take mental health days and will never penalize you for prioritizing your wellbeing.
Group Session Policies
- Drop-in style - no advance registration required
- No penalty for missing group sessions
- Please let us know if you'll be absent for safety/planning purposes
Therapist Cancellations
If we need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, we will provide as much notice as possible and offer alternative times. Emergency cancellations may occur due to illness or personal crisis.
Questions or Concerns
If you have questions about these policies or need to file a complaint, please contact:
The People's Healing Collective
Email: hello@peopleshealingcollective.org
Website: peopleshealingcollective.org
Clinical Supervisor:
[Supervisor Name], LCSW
License #[Number]
[Contact information]
New York State Licensing Board:
Office of the Professions
www.op.nysed.gov
Phone: (518) 474-3817
Last updated: January 2025