Consent
Click here to view our Consent for Psychology Services for Adults
Click here to view our Confidential Client Information form for Adults
Cancellation and Payment
Sometimes you may be unable to keep a scheduled appointment. Please inform us 24 hours prior to our appointment time if you need to cancel or change an appointment time. Unexcused no shows or late cancellations will be charged the total cost of the session booked.
Payment for sessions occurs at the end of your session, however, flexible payment plans may be available if needed. If it is agreed that you will be billed for later payment for sessions, please note that late-payment may result in interest fees and non-payment may require collection services.
Social Media Policy
The following information outlines Bridges Psychology Services policies related to use of Social Media. Dr. Gothjelpsen believes it is important to clarify how mental health professionals conduct themselves on-line and what to expect in response to various interactions that may occur on the internet.
Facebook and Twitter:
Bridges Psychology Services maintains a Facebook page, Google page, and Twitter account to provide contact information as well as link to helpful resources or interesting articles. All are welcome to view these pages/accounts, however, no "Friend" or contact requests will be accepted. Bridges Psychology Services only follows other health professionals on Twitter, but does not follow current or former client. The concern with these types of interactions is that your confidentiality and privacy could be compromised. These interactions may also blur the lines of the therapeutic relationship.
Please do not use messaging on Facebook or Twitter, Wall postings, or @replies to contact Dr. Gothjelpsen. These sites are not secure, not read in a timely fashion, and could compromise your confidentiality. It may also create the possibility that these exchanges become a part of your legal medical record and will need to be documented and archived in your chart. If you need to contact Dr. Gothjelpsen between sessions, the best way to do so is by phone. Direct email at dr.sheila@bridgespsychologyservices.com is second best for quick, administrative issues such as changing appointment times.
Email:
Email should be used only to arrange or modify appointments. Please do not include content related to your therapy sessions, as email is not a completely secure or confidential means of communication.
Business Rating Sites:
You may find Bridges Psychology Services on sites such as Yelp, RateMDs, Yahoo Local, Bing, or even community Facebook pages. Some of these sites include forums in which users rate their providers and add reviews. Please know that Bridges Psychology Services has not requested to be listed on these sites and is not requesting testimonials, ratings, or endorsements from clients.
The Canadian Psychological Association's Code of Ethics for Psychologists states that it is unethical for psychologists to solicit client testimonials. Clients certainly have the right to express themselves on any site they wish. But due to confidentiality, psychologists cannot respond to any review. We would urge clients to take their privacy seriously, as participation on these sites could reveal their personal information in a very public forum. It is also hoped that if clients will bring their feelings and reactions to our work directly into the therapy process, as this is often a very important component of therapeutic growth. If clients believe something harmful or unethical has occurred, they can contact the College of Alberta Psychologists to issue a complaint.
If you have any questions or concerns about any part of the policies outlined above, please do not hesitate to ask us to clarify.