Patient Bill of Rights

At Sunshine Counseling Services LCSW, PLLC, we are committed to providing high-quality, ethical, and respectful mental health care. As a client, you have the following rights:

1. Right to Respect and Dignity

You have the right to be treated with respect, dignity, and without discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, or socioeconomic status.
You have the right to receive care in a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment.

2. Right to Confidentiality

Your therapy sessions and records are confidential, except in cases where disclosure is required by law (such as threats of harm, abuse reporting, or court orders).
You have the right to decide who may access your treatment information and must provide written consent for disclosures, except when legally mandated.

3. Right to Informed Consent

You have the right to be fully informed about your treatment, including potential benefits, risks, and alternatives.
You have the right to ask questions and receive clear answers regarding your treatment.
You have the right to consent to or refuse treatment, as long as it does not result in harm to yourself or others.

4. Right to Quality Care

You have the right to receive professional, ethical, and evidence-based mental health care.
You have the right to a therapist who is qualified, licensed, and trained in appropriate treatment methods.
If your therapist is unable to provide the appropriate care for your needs, you have the right to a referral to another qualified professional.

5. Right to Access Your Records

You have the right to request a copy of your therapy records, subject to state and federal laws.
In certain cases, you may receive a treatment summary instead of full records if it is deemed in your best interest.
Requests for records must be made in writing and may be subject to fees.

6. Right to Participate in Your Treatment

You have the right to participate in developing your treatment plan and setting therapeutic goals.
You have the right to discuss any concerns or preferences regarding your therapy.
You have the right to request a change in treatment approach if it is not working for you.

7. Right to Refuse or Discontinue Services

You have the right to stop therapy at any time. However, we encourage you to discuss this decision with your therapist to explore your options.
If your therapist believes discontinuing treatment is not in your best interest, they may discuss referrals or other recommendations with you.

8. Right to Fair Fees and Payment Transparency

You have the right to clear and transparent information about session fees, payment policies, and insurance coverage.
You have the right to discuss financial concerns and inquire about payment options if needed.

9. Right to a Safe and Ethical Environment

You have the right to a therapy environment free from harassment, coercion, or unethical behavior.
You have the right to report any concerns about misconduct or unprofessional behavior.

10. Right to File a Complaint

If you have concerns about your treatment, you have the right to:

Address concerns directly with your therapist.
Contact the practice owner at info@sunshinecounselingny.com or 607-287-4670 to discuss complaints.
File a complaint with the New York State Office of the Professions if you believe ethical or professional standards have been violated. Visit https://www.op.nysed.gov/ for more information.

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