Scheduling an appointment:
Appointments can be scheduled directly with Dr.Gerson. Evening and weekend appointments are available.
Confidentiality
Issues discussed during psychotherapy are generally confidential by law. If you want me to share information about your child's treatment with other professionals you will need to sign an authorization for release of information. Some insurance companies require treatment plans or clinical information before they will pay for treatment. You have a right to pay for treatment yourself if you do not want any clinical information released to insurance companies. A Release of Information request can be downloaded in the Forms section of this website.
Team Work
Results for your child may be more beneficial if I can coordinate my treatment with your child's pediatrician and if necessary your child's school. In addition, if your child is working with a psychiatrist, counselor or a social worker treatment should to be coordinated with them as well. Before sharing any information about your child I will get your written approval to do so.
Telephone Contact
You can leave me a confidential voice message on my phone and I will return your call as soon as possible. If your child is in immediate danger call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Please note that I prioritize urgent calls. I make every effort to return non urgent calls within 24 hours.
Emergencies
If a mental health related emergency occurs, you are advised to go to an emergency room, as you would do with any other health emergency. Someone will evaluate your child at the emergency room and will then decide an appropriate course of action. Please request the emergency room staff to notify me in such circumstances.
Cancellations or Missed Appointments
I request the courtesy of 48-hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Your appointment time is specifically reserved for you. Cancellations less than 24-hours may be billed directly to you. Missed appointments will be charged full fee.
Billing Information and Fee Schedule
It is extremely important that you carefully review the information pertaining to billing and fee schedules prior to your child's first appointment. This information can be found by pressing the button that is labeled "BILLING INFORMATION". Payment in full is required at the time of service unless arrangements to the contrary have been made with me in advance. I accept cash, checks and credit cards.
HIPAA Policies and Procedures
A copy of HIPPA policies and procedures is available in the Forms section of this website. At our first appointment I will be happy to answer any questions you may have about my HIPAA policies and procedures and I will ask you to sign a form acknowledging that you have received a copy of the HIPAA policy.