policies

If you become a client of Dr. Jeannine’s practice, she will share with you a document outlining the policies of her practice.

Below are some standard policies that you have a right to know about by law, as well as some other policies & information.

you have a right to a
Good Faith Estimate.

In January 2022, a new law called the No Surprises Act went into effect that requires healthcare providers to share with patients that don’t have insurance, or choose not to use their insurance, what is called a Good Faith Estimate (GFE). This outlines what you can expect to pay for the services you receive, and is intended to protect individuals from surprise billing. Dr. Jeannine will provide you a GFE upon setting up our first appointment. For more information about the please visit: https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

text messaging policy

Please note that Dr. Jeannine employs text messages through Simple Practice (HIPAA compliant practice platform) for appointment reminders. She may also text you if you from her practice number if you are late to a session, if there are technical difficulties, or for rescheduling/scheduling purposes, payment, and other administrative issues. She does not send marketing or promotional messages. For text messages and calls, she uses a HIPAA compliant healthcare phone service called iPlum.

Mobile SMS Messaging Privacy Policy

This SMS Privacy Policy outlines the collection, use, and protection of your personal information when you opt-in to receive text messages from Metztli, Psychological Practice of Dr. Jeannine Cicco Barker. This policy applies specifically to SMS communication services and supplements our general Privacy Policy.

The SMS service is designed to provide customer care and administrative support to individuals seeking services from this practice. Metztli may use SMS text messaging for certain types of communication with you, including billing, customer service, appointment reminders and other administrative requests. Text messaging may also be used for:

  • Checking in with you if you are late to a session

  • If a session needs to be cancelled/scheduled/rescheduled

  • If there are technical difficulties during a session on either end

Messaging terms & conditions (if you become a client of the practice):

You agree to receive informational messages (appointment reminders, account notifications, etc.) from Jeannine Cicco Barker, PsyD. Message frequency varies. Message and data rate may apply. For help, reply HELP or email drjeannine@metztlipsych.com You can optout at any time by replying STOP.

Mobile SMS Messaging Privacy Policy:

Information collected: We may collect information, such as name, phone number, and email address.

Use of information collected: We may use the information we collect to perform the services requested, including billing, customer service, appointments, reminders, and other administrative requests. Metztli does not send promotional or marketing texts.

Sharing of information collected: We do not share, sell, rent, or trade any information provided with third parties for promotional purposes.

As a current or perspective customer, you understand that you can text us STOP at any time to opt out of receiving SMS text messages from us. You can also text us HELP at any time to receive help. You understand the messaging frequency may vary. Messaging and data rates may apply. Your mobile information will not be shared with any third-party/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. All policies are followed per CTIA guidelines 5.2.1. At any time if you want your information should be removed, you can contact us via our email address or regular mail.

other information & policies*

*more will be shared with you re: these policies and others if you become a client of this practice

  • All potential new clients must meet first for a virtual free consultation (~20 minutes). This is not the start of therapy, but rather it is an introductory conversation to meet one another and so that I can understand your goals for therapy, answer any questions you may have, and to determine if my practice is a good fit for you at this time. This is important because there are some areas of mental health I specialize in and there are some that I do not, and some may need a level or kind of support I do not provide. It is also important for you to get a sense if this is a good fit for you, because the therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors in therapy.

    If after the consultation we determine this is a good fit, we can discuss next steps. If my practice is not a good fit, I will do my best to share recommendations and referrals or other resources if possible/as needed. Please note that I cannot always share specific referrals but I may point you in the direction of where you may continue to look for a good fit.

    For the consultation, a HIPAA compliant and secure link will be shared with you. Please ensure you are in a private location where no one can oversee or overhear your call.

    If you are interested in scheduling a consultation, please email me (see contact ). I would be happy to meet and talk more about what you are looking for and to see if this is a good fit for you!

  • My practice is open Monday-Thursday and closed every Friday-Sunday and on major holidays. I do not offer appointments after 6pm M-W nor after 3pm on Thursdays.

  • All sessions are virtual and provided through Simple Practice, which is HIPAA compliant and secure. You should meet in a private space where no one can overhear or see your call.

  • Frequency: I meet with people/couples on either a weekly or biweekly basis. This depends on a number of factors and together we will decide what works best for you. Often, when starting therapy and building a relationship, weekly sessions are ideal, and then we can transition to biweekly if that is fitting for your goals and your needs. My practice does not offer monthly appointments unless you are an established client and your treatment plan is changing (i.e. you are transitioning out of therapy) or your circumstances change such that meeting monthly temporarily is necessary.

    Duration: This is very individual. I value and offer long term relational therapy and have many clients that I have worked with for years. At the same time, some may come to therapy for less than a year, to work on specific goals, issues, or concerns, and choose to end therapy after these goals are met. I will work with you to define what you are looking to get out of therapy and we will collaborate together on a plan that best meets your needs. You may end therapy at any time.

  • When you are accepted as a client of my practice, I reserve space and time for you in my schedule and in my caseload. My practice employs a standard 24 hour cancellation policy. Any cancellations under 24 hours before your appointment or no shows will be charged the full session fee (unless it is an emergency).

  • AI and the use of AI in therapy goes against the values of Metztli and this practice. I do not use AI in my practice for note taking or any other purposes. Your sessions are never recorded by me.

  • If you become a client of my practice, I will share with you a document further outlining these policies and more. You are free to ask questions at any time about my practice, my policies, my approach, my training, my practice values, your treatment plan, etc.