Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of New Steps Care's website and services. By accessing our website or engaging our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms. Please read them carefully.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By using this website and our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our website or services.

2. Services Provided

New Steps Care is a virtual mental health group practice providing telehealth therapy services to residents of Florida, Virginia, Maine, and Iowa. Our services include:

• Individual psychotherapy for adults
• Mental health assessments and treatment planning
• Evidence-based therapeutic interventions
• Clinical supervision for pre-licensed mental health professionals

3. Eligibility for Services

To use our therapy services, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a resident of Florida, Virginia, Maine, or Iowa
• Be physically located in a state where your treating clinician is licensed at the time of each telehealth session
• Have the legal capacity to enter into this agreement
• Provide accurate and complete information when requested

4. Telehealth Services

Technology Requirements

You are responsible for:

• Obtaining and maintaining compatible technology and internet access
• Ensuring a private, confidential space for sessions
• Testing your technology before appointments
• Having a backup communication method (phone) available

Limitations of Telehealth

You understand that:

• Telehealth services may not be appropriate for all conditions or situations
• Technical issues may interrupt or prevent sessions
• Emergency services cannot be provided via telehealth
• In-person evaluation may be necessary in some circumstances

5. Appointments and Scheduling

Scheduling

Appointments can be scheduled through our online scheduling system or by contacting our office. You are responsible for attending scheduled appointments on time.

Cancellation Policy

• You must provide at least 24 hours notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment
• Late cancellations (less than 24 hours notice) may be charged the full session fee
• No-shows will be charged the full session fee
• Repeated late cancellations or no-shows may result in termination of services

Therapist Cancellations

In the event your therapist must cancel an appointment, we will make every effort to provide advance notice and reschedule at a mutually convenient time.

6. Fees and Payment

Session Fees

Current fees for services are available on our website and will be discussed during your initial consultation. Fees are subject to change with 30 days notice.

Payment Terms

• Payment is due at the time of service unless other arrangements have been made
• We accept major credit cards, debit cards, and HSA/FSA cards
• You are responsible for any fees not covered by insurance
• Outstanding balances over 30 days may be sent to collections

Insurance

If using insurance:

• You are responsible for understanding your insurance benefits and coverage
• You are responsible for any copays, deductibles, or coinsurance
• We will submit claims on your behalf as a courtesy, but payment is ultimately your responsibility
• You must notify us immediately of any changes to your insurance coverage

7. Professional Relationship

Therapeutic Relationship

The relationship between you and your therapist is professional and therapeutic in nature. This relationship exists exclusively during scheduled therapy sessions and related professional communications.

Communication

• Communication outside of sessions should be limited to scheduling and administrative matters
• Email and text messages are not secure and should not be used for clinical content
• Response to non-emergency communications typically occurs within 1-2 business days
• For emergencies, contact 911 or go to your nearest emergency room

Social Media

To protect your privacy and maintain appropriate boundaries, your therapist cannot accept friend or contact requests on social media platforms.

8. Confidentiality and Records

Your confidentiality is protected by law and professional ethics. The limits of confidentiality and our record-keeping practices are detailed in our Notice of Privacy Practices and Privacy Policy.

You have the right to access your clinical records in accordance with Florida law and HIPAA regulations.

9. Termination of Services

Client-Initiated Termination

You have the right to discontinue services at any time. We recommend discussing termination with your therapist to ensure a smooth transition and, if needed, appropriate referrals.

Therapist-Initiated Termination

Your therapist may terminate services if:

• You are not benefiting from therapy
• Your needs exceed the therapist's scope of practice or competence
• There are repeated violations of these Terms
• There is non-payment for services
• The therapeutic relationship has been compromised

In such cases, appropriate referrals will be provided when clinically appropriate.

10. Emergencies and Crisis Situations

New Steps Care does not provide emergency or crisis services. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please:

• Call 911
• Go to your nearest emergency room
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988
• Text "HELLO" to 741741 (Crisis Text Line)

11. Limitations of Liability

New Steps Care and its clinicians:

• Make no guarantees regarding the outcome of therapy
• Are not responsible for decisions you make or actions you take
• Are not liable for technical issues with telehealth platforms or internet connectivity
• Cannot guarantee uninterrupted or error-free service

12. Website Use

Intellectual Property

All content on this website, including text, graphics, logos, and images, is the property of New Steps Care and is protected by copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without permission.

Prohibited Uses

You agree not to:

• Use the website for any unlawful purpose
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
• Interfere with the proper functioning of the website
• Transmit viruses or malicious code
• Collect information about other users

13. Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

14. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of our services shall be resolved in the courts of Florida.

15. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

16. Contact Information

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