Every therapy session is unique and will be customized to each couple, individual and family based on their needs and specific goals. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I am trained to give professional guidance and support, illuminate persistent patterns and help break negative cycles that are keeping you and your relationship stuck. As Your Relationship Expert, I will compassionately listen and share strategies that will create positive changes thus transforming your relationships.

I suggest weekly sessions of 50-75 minutes depending on whether it is couple’s, family or individual sessions. As we work together the frequency of your sessions can change. There will be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book, a homework activity or to keep records tracking certain behaviors. Completing these actions as well as processing what has been discussed and integrating it into your life is important to the success of achieving your desired outcome. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions.

Find out more about me so you can get a sense of who I am and if we would be a good fit for each other.

Counseling is an investment in yourself and your relationship. During our initial call, I will ask questions so I can understand what prompted you reach out to me, find out some information about your needs and listen to your goals for coming to see me. The fee and session time for counseling services depends on which type of service you need: couple, family or individual. In our initial phone conversation, we will decide if we are a good match for each other and I will answer your questions about my services including fees and availability. Give me a call for our initial conversation.

YES, I do! Therapy begins with the joining process of the therapist and client. Selecting a therapist who comfortably guides you and your loved one through the therapeutic process is crucial to your progress. My approach is collaborative and will focus on your strengths to create more balance and harmony in your life and within your relationships. I believe that everyone has the ability to create change in their lives. Together we can co-create change for a better future. I know that it takes courage and strength to reach out for support and guidance. I welcome the opportunity to answer any questions you may have about what to expect from therapy and from working with me as Your Relationship Expert. Call today for your complimentary phone consultation.

I accept cash, MasterCard, Visa and American Express. All payments are due on the day the service is provided.

Your appointment time is saved for you. If you need to cancel or reschedule your session, please give me at least 24 hours’ notice. If you do not show up or cancel your appointment in less than 24 hours, you will be charged a $100 cancellation fee that needs to be paid at or before the next session.

I do not accept insurance plans but sometimes insurance companies will reimburse for services provided by an Out-of-Network Mental Health Provider. If you are interested in using health insurance, contact your insurance company for clarification on what services they will cover. I will be happy to provide you with a receipt to submit to your insurance company.

Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. As a client in my practice, your Good Faith Estimate is available to you and can be requested at all times. Your Good Faith Estimate will be given to you in writing prior to your first visit with me.

• You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
• Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
• If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
• Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

If you believe you’ve been wrongly billed, you may contact: Florida’s Department of Health by calling 850-245-4444.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 850-245-4444.

If you have any questions regarding this notice or my health information privacy policies, please contact Michelle Scharlop at 954-245-9608 or by email mscharlop@hushmail.com

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists do not prescribe medication. Only a psychiatrist or your family doctor can prescribe medication. If you are currently taking medication, it is important that you inform me of all medications so I can have all accurate information.

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between clients and their therapists. No information is disclosed without prior written consent from the client(s). However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. These exceptions include:

• If it is suspected that a child or elder is being abused, therapists are mandated by law to report abuse to the abuse hotline. If you suspect a child or elder is being abused you can make an anonymous call to the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE.
• If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.
• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.
• If a judge subpoenas medical records or the therapist to a court hearing, confidentiality is broken in order to cooperate with the law.