Mia Sultanik, LCSW-S, MSSW, (she/her)

Mia holds her BS in Child Development and Family Relationships from the Department of Natural Sciences at the University of Texas at Austin. She also earned her MSSW from The University of Texas at Austin and ultimately her LCSW. She is a certified LCSW supervisor for The State of Texas.

Mia’s experiences include 20 years of teacher (certifications pre-k through 8th and ELA 6th-12th) in local ISDs with a wide range of ages inclusive of neurodivergent, neurotypical, special needs, gifted and 2E children.

Mia has also worked in various aspects of counseling since 2004 (for over a decade while working simultaneously as a teacher) including with children and adults in private counseling, acute care and in-patient hospitals in the Austin area and in court appointed guardianship investigations for Travis County.

Having extensive exposure and direct interaction with medical influences has added to Mia’s ability to support those with whom she works. Mia ran her own private practice for five years prior to rebranding and forming her practice, Alpine Healing.

CBT, Behavioral and Person-Centered methodologies are Mia’s primary methodologies uses in her approach. Mia strives to provide a warm, inviting and non-judgmental space for all of those who walk into her office.

Mia’s unique experiences with children, adolescents and adults have led her to have a well-rounded and all-encompassing background in order to provide her clients with the best possible counseling services. She has grown through extensive personal and professional experiences with ASD (inclusive of sensory and behavioral issues) and associated family dynamics which furthers her passion for her work. Additionally, Mia is certified in ADOS-2 testing from toddler through adults and is IFS (Internal Family Systems) trained.

Mia enjoys staying up to date with current and relevant therapeutic issues and continuing education issues. When not working with her clients, you will find her spending time with her husband and family, traveling and appreciating many cultures, reading, playing with the family dog “babies”, Kona (Golden Pyrenees), Houdini (Golden Pyrenees) and Suki (English Cream Golden). Mia is also the parent of three young adult children who are each quite unique.

PRACTICE POLICY

Alpine Healing, LLC

1640 Highland Falls Drive, Ste. 102

Leander, Texas 78641

512-817-3363

Therapy Consent, Policies & Agreement  

PART I: THERAPEUTIC PROCESS

BENEFITS/OUTCOMES:  The therapeutic process seeks to meet goals established by all persons involved, usually revolving around a specific complaint(s).  Participating in therapy may include benefits such as the resolution of presenting problems as well as improved intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships.  The therapeutic process may reduce distress, enhance stress management, and increase one’s ability to cope with problems related to work, family, personal, relational, etc.  Participating in therapy can lead to greater understanding of personal and relational goals and values.  This can increase relational harmony and lead to greater happiness.  Progress will be assessed on a regular basis and feedback from clients will be elicited to ensure the most effective therapeutic services are provided.  There can be no guarantees made regarding the ultimate outcome of therapy.

EXPECTATIONS: In order for clients to reach their therapeutic goals, it is essential they complete tasks assigned between sessions.  Therapy is not a quick fix.  It takes time and effort, and therefore, may move slower than your expectations.  During the therapy process, we identify goals, review progress, and modify the treatment plan as needed.

RISKS:  In working to achieve therapeutic benefits, clients must take action to achieve desired results.  Although change is inevitable, it can be uncomfortable at times.  Resolving unpleasant events and making changes in relationship patterns may arouse unexpected emotional reactions.  Seeking to resolve problems can similarly lead to discomfort as well as relational changes that may not be originally intended.  We will work collaboratively toward a desirable outcome; however, it is possible that the goals of therapy may not be reached.

STRUCTURE OF THERAPY: 

Intake Phase – During the first session, therapeutic process, structure, policies and procedures will be discussed.  We will also explore your experiences surrounding the presenting problem(s).

Assessment Phase – The initial evaluation may last 2-4 sessions.  During this assessment phase, I will be getting to know you.  I will ask questions to gain an understanding of your worldview, strengths, concerns, needs, relationship dynamics, etc.  During this relationship building process, I will be gathering a lot of information to aid in the therapeutic approach best suited for your needs and goals.  If it is determined that I am not the best fit for your therapeutic needs, I will provide referrals for more appropriate treatment.

Goal Development/Treatment Planning – After gathering background information, we will collaborate to identify your therapeutic goals.  If therapy is court ordered, goals will encompass your goals and court ordered treatment goals, based on documentation from the court (please provide any court documents).  Once each goal is reached, we will sign off on each goal and you will receive a copy. 

Intervention Phase – This phase occurs anywhere from session two until graduation/discharge/termination.  Each client must actively participate in therapy sessions, utilize solutions discussed, and complete assignments between sessions.  Progress will be reviewed and goals adjusted as needed. 

Graduation/Discharge/Termination – As you progress and get closer to completing goals, we will collaboratively discuss a transition plan for graduation/discharge/termination.

LENGTH OF THERAPY: Therapy sessions are typically weekly or biweekly for 45 to 55 minutes depending upon the nature of the presenting challenges and insurance authorizations.  It is difficult to initially predict how many sessions will be needed.  We will collaboratively discuss from session to session what the next steps are and how often therapy sessions will occur. 

APPOINTMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS: You are responsible for attending each appointment and agree to adhere to the following policy: If you cannot keep the scheduled appointment, you MUST notify our office to within 48 of the scheduled appointment time. If you cancel or reschedule more than three times within 3 months, we may need to re-evaluate your needs, desires, and motivations for treatment at this time.  You will be charged for the full session fee for missed or late cancelled appointments. Emergencies or illness is exempt from the 48 hour policy

Psychotherapy is a uniquely personal service; therefore, consultations may be briefly interrupted.  I may periodically take time off for vacation, seminars, and/or become ill.  Attempts will be made to give adequate notice of these events.  If I am unable to contact you directly, a colleague may contact you to cancel or reschedule an appointment. 

FEES: The fee for each 50-minute therapy session is $175.  Acceptable forms of payment are: exact-amount cash, check (insufficient-funds checks will be returned upon full payment of the original amount plus $35 for any returned check), or credit/debit/HSA card. In the event that a scheduled appointment time is missed or cancelled less than 48 hours prior to an appointment time, please refer to the “Appointments and Cancellations” policy above. 

The clinician reserves the right to terminate the counseling relationship if more than 3 sessions are missed without proper notification.

The clinician charges his/her hourly rate in quarter hours for phone calls over 10 minutes in length, email correspondence, reading assessments or evaluations, writing assessments or letters, and collaborating with necessary professionals (with your permission) for continuity of care.  All costs for services outside of session are your responsibility and are not covered by insurance. Your clinician will bill you at the time of service and payment is due at time of invoice.

TRIAL, COURT ORDERED APPEARANCES, LITIGATION: Rarely, but on occasion, a court will order a therapist to testify, be deposed, or appear in court for a matter relating to your treatment or case.  In order to protect your confidentiality, we strongly suggest not involving your therapist in the court.  If your clinician gets called into court by you or your attorney, you will be charged a fee of $1,500 per day which includes loss of clientele, travel time, court time, preparing documents, etc. 

PHONE CONTACTS AND EMERGENCIES:  Office hours are set individually by your clinician.  If you need to contact the clinician for any reason please call them directly, leave a voicemail, and a return call will be made as soon as possible.  In case of an emergency, you can access emergency assistance by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.  If either you or someone else is in danger of being harmed, dial 911.  You can also chat with a crisis intervention professional through www.imalive.org or Lifeline Chat at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/.  

PART II: CONFIDENTIALITY:

Anything said in therapy is confidential and may not be revealed to a third party without written authorization, except for the following limitations:

·       Child Abuse - Child abuse and/or neglect, which include but are not limited to domestic violence in the presence of a child, child on child sexual acting out/abuse, physical abuse, etc.  If you reveal information about child abuse or child neglect, we are required by law to report this to the appropriate authority.

·       Vulnerable Adult Abuse - Vulnerable adult abuse or neglect.  If information is revealed about vulnerable adult or elder abuse, we are required by law to report this to the appropriate authority.

·       Self-Harm: Threats, plans or attempts to harm oneself.  We are permitted to take steps to protect the client’s safety, which may include disclosure of confidential information.

·       Harm to Others: Threats regarding harm to another person.  If you threaten bodily harm or death to another person, we are required by law to report this to the appropriate authority.

·       Court Orders & Legal Issued Subpoenas: If we receive a subpoena for your records, we will contact you so you may take whatever steps you deem necessary to prevent the release of your confidential information.  We will contact you twice by phone.  If we cannot get in touch with you by phone, we will send you written correspondence.  If a court of law issues a legitimate court order, we are required by law to provide the information specifically described in the order.  Despite any attempts to contact you and keep your records confidential, we are required to comply with a court order. 

·       Court Ordered Therapy: If therapy is court ordered, the court may request records or documentation of participation in services.  We will discuss the information and/or documentation with you in session prior to sending it to the court.

·       Written Request:  Clients must sign a release of information form before any information may be sent to a third party.  A summary of visits may be given in lieu of actual “psychotherapy/process notes”, except if the third party is part of medical.  If therapy sessions involve more than one person, each person over the age of 18 MUST sign the release of information before information is released. 

·       Fee Disputes: In the case of a credit card dispute, we reserve the right to provide the necessary documentation (i.e. your signature on the “Therapy Consent & Agreement” that covers the cancellation policy to your bank or credit card company should a dispute of a charge occur.  If there is a financial balance on account, a bill will be sent to the home address on the intake form unless otherwise noted. 

·       Couples Counseling & “No Secret” Policy: When working with couples, all laws of confidentiality exist.  We request that neither partner attempt to triangulate your therapist into keeping a “secret” that is detrimental to couple’s therapy goal.  If one partner requests that your therapist keep a “secret” in confidence, your therapist may choose to end the therapeutic relationship and give referrals for other therapists as our work and your goals then become counter-productive. 

·       Dual Relationships & Public: Our relationship is strictly professional.  In order to preserve this relationship, it is imperative that there is no relationship outside of the counseling relationship (ie: social, business, or friendship).  If we run into each other in a public setting, I will not acknowledge you as this would jeopardize confidentiality.  If you were to acknowledge me, your confidentiality could be at risk.  

·           Social Media: No friend requests on our personal social media outlets (Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, etc.) will be accepted from current or former clients.  If you choose to comment on our professional social media pages or posts, you do so at your own risk and may breach confidentiality.  We cannot be held liable if someone identifies you as a client.  Posts and information on social media are meant to be educational and should not replace therapy.  Please do not contact your clinician through any social media site or platform.  They are not confidential, nor are they monitored, and may become part of medical record. 

·       Electronic Communication: If you need to contact your therapist outside of your sessions, please do so via phone or through the messaging system in your client portal. 

o   Clients often use text or email as a convenient way to communicate in their personal lives.  However, texting introduces unique challenges into the therapist–client relationship.  Texting is not a substitute for sessions.  Texting is not confidential.  Phones can be lost or stolen.  DO NOT communicate sensitive information over text.  The identity of the person texting is unknown as someone else may have possession of the client’s phone.

o   Do not use e-mail for emergencies.  In the case of an emergency call 911, your local emergency hotline or go to the nearest emergency room.  Additionally, e-mail is not a substitute for sessions.  If you need to be seen, please call to book an appointment.  E-mail is not confidential.  Do not communicate sensitive medical or mental health information via email.  Furthermore, if you send email from a work computer, your employer has the legal right to read it.  E-mail is a part of your medical record. 

·           Sessions Outside the Office: Many clients like to meet online. We may be able to accommodate this request, however, this can put your confidentiality at risk. 

PART III: HEALTH INSURANCE

Please ask let us know if you will need a super bill so you can file with your health insurance company with out of network benefits for reimbursement. Please check with your insurance company for reimbursement rates as they vary greatly among companies. You can use both your HSA card and file for reimbursements.

PART IV: REASONS YOU MAY NOT WANT TO USE INSURANCE

·       Reduced Ability to Choose: Most health care plans today (insurance, PPO, HMO, etc.) offer little coverage and/or reimbursement for mental health services.  Most HMOs and PPOs require “preauthorization” before you can receive services.  This means you must call the company and justify why you are seeking therapeutic services in order for you to receive reimbursement.  The insurance representative, who may or may not be a mental health professional, will decide whether services will be allowed.  If authorization is given, you are often restricted to seeing the providers on the insurance company’s list.  Reimbursement is reduced if you choose someone who is not on the contracted list; consequently, your choice of providers is often significantly restricted.

·       Pre-Authorization and Reduced Confidentiality: Insurance typically authorizes several therapy sessions at a time.  When these sessions are finished, your therapist must justify the need for continued services.  Sometimes additional sessions are not authorized, leading to an end of the therapeutic relationship even if therapeutic goals are not completely met.  Your insurance company may require additional clinical information that is confidential in order to approve or justify a continuation of services.  Confidentiality cannot be assured or guaranteed when an insurance company requires information to approve continued services.  Even if the therapist justifies the need for ongoing services, your insurance company may decline services.  Your insurance company dictates if treatment will or will not be covered.  Note: Personal information might be added to national medical information data banks regarding treatment. 

·       Negative Impacts of a Psychiatric Diagnosis: Insurance companies require clinicians to give a mental health diagnosis (i.e., “major depression” or “obsessive-compulsive disorder”) for reimbursement.  Psychiatric diagnoses may negatively impact you in the following ways:

1.     Denial of insurance when applying for disability or life insurance;

2.     Company (mis)control of information when claims are processed;

3.     Loss of confidentiality due to the increased number of persons handling claims;

4.     Loss of employment and/or repercussions of a diagnosis in situations where you may be required to reveal a mental health disorder diagnosis on your record.  This includes but is not limited to: applying for a job, financial aid, and/or concealed weapons permits. 

5.     A psychiatric diagnosis can be brought into a court case (ie: divorce court, family law, criminal, etc.). 

It is also important to note that some psychiatric diagnoses are not eligible for reimbursement.  This is often true for marriage/couples’ therapy.

·       Positive Impacts of going Self Pay:

1.     You are in control of your care, including choosing your therapist, length of treatment, etc.

2.     Increased privacy and confidentiality (except for limits of confidentiality). 

3.     Not having a mental health disorder diagnosis on your medical record. 

4.     Consulting with me on non-psychiatric issues that are important to you that aren’t billable by insurance, such as learning how to cope with life changes, gaining more effective communication techniques for your relationships, increasing personal insight, and developing healthy new skills. 

If you decide not to use your insurance benefits, please let your clinician know, and you will be responsible for our regular session fees (see FEES section above) at the time of service. You will not be able to access out of network benefits, if you choose to forego insurance.

EMERGENCY CONTACT:

It is necessary that your therapist at Alpine Healing, LLC has someone to contact on your behalf.  In case of an emergency, I will allow Alpine Healing, LLC to contact this person.

PART V: CONSENT

1. I have read and understand the information contained in the Therapy Agreement, Policies and Consent.  I have discussed any questions that I have regarding this information with my therapist or other staff at Alpine Healing, LLC.  My signature below indicates that I am voluntarily giving my informed consent to receive counseling services and agree to abide by the agreement and policies listed in this consent.  I authorize Alpine Healing, LLC to provide counseling services that are considered necessary and advisable.

We do not share your personal or mobile information with third parties for marketing purposes without your explicit consent. All data sharing is strictly limited to providing our services and fulfilling legal obligations.

Consumer data will be used solely for providing counseling services and will not be shared with third parties without consent. For any inquiries, please contact us at 512-817-3363.

Clearly state that consumer data will not be transferred to external organizations without consent. Include measures to prevent unauthorized sharing:

We commit not to transfer your personal data to any external organizations without your explicit consent, and we have implemented strict access controls to prevent unauthorized data sharing.

You have the right to opt of of communications.

. Consent to Treatment of Minor Child(ren): I hereby certify that I have the legal right to seek counseling treatment for minor(s) in my custody and give permission to Alpine Healing, LLC to provide treatment to my minor child(ren).  If I have unilateral decision-making capacity to obtain counseling services for my minor, I will provide the appropriate court documentation to Alpine Healing, LLC prior to or at the initial session.  Otherwise, I will have the other legal parent/guardian sign this consent for treatment prior to the initial session.