LEGAL POLICIES AND DISCLOSURES

Notice of Privacy Practices (HIPAA Notice)

Our Commitment to Privacy

McLean Health Psychology Specialists is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your protected health information ("PHI"). We maintain records of the care and services provided to you and use reasonable safeguards to protect your information in accordance with federal and state law.

Uses and Disclosures

Your information may be used or disclosed for:

  • Treatment and coordination of care

  • Payment and billing purposes

  • Healthcare operations

  • Situations required by law, including reporting abuse, neglect, or threats of harm

  • Public health activities and judicial proceedings when legally required

Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access and obtain copies of your records, subject to legal exceptions

  • Request amendments to your records

  • Request restrictions on disclosures

  • Receive confidential communications

  • Receive an accounting of disclosures

  • Obtain a copy of this Notice

Website Terms and Conditions

The information contained on this website is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute psychological, medical, or legal advice.

Use of this website does not establish a psychologist-patient relationship. A professional relationship is established only after completion of intake procedures, informed consent, and mutual agreement to provide services.

Content on this website is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without written permission.

We reserve the right to modify website content, policies, and services without prior notice.

Telehealth Informed Consent

Telehealth services are provided using secure HIPAA-compliant technology. By participating in telehealth, you acknowledge and understand that:

  • Telehealth involves the electronic transmission of information.

  • While safeguards are employed, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.

  • Technical disruptions may occasionally occur.

  • You are responsible for participating from a private and secure location.

  • You may withdraw your consent to telehealth services at any time.

  • Emergency services are not provided through telehealth.

  • You agree to provide your physical location at the beginning of each session to ensure compliance with applicable licensing laws and emergency procedures.

Emergency Services Disclaimer

McLean Health Psychology Specialists does not provide emergency or crisis services.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, psychiatric emergency, or believe you may be at risk of harming yourself or others, call 911, contact 988, or go to the nearest emergency department.

Electronic communications, including voicemail, email, and website inquiries, are not continuously monitored and should never be used for urgent situations.

Good Faith Estimate Notice

Under the No Surprises Act, individuals who do not use insurance or who choose not to submit claims through insurance have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate explaining expected healthcare costs.

You have the right to receive a written estimate of expected charges before services are provided.

If you receive a bill that is substantially higher than your Good Faith Estimate, you may have the right to dispute the charges.

Questions regarding your rights under the No Surprises Act may be directed to www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

SMS and Text Messaging Policy

Text messaging is intended solely for scheduling and administrative purposes.

Text messages are not encrypted and may present privacy risks. By consenting to text communication, you acknowledge and accept these limitations.

Please do not use text messages to communicate sensitive clinical information or urgent concerns.

Message frequency may vary. Standard message and data rates may apply.

Consent to receive text messages may be withdrawn at any time.

Social Media Policy

To protect your privacy and maintain appropriate professional boundaries:

  • We do not accept friend requests or social media connections from current or past clients.

  • We do not follow current or past clients on social media.

  • Comments, reviews, or interactions on social media may compromise confidentiality.

  • Information shared on social media should not be considered psychological advice.

Electronic Communication Policy

Email and patient portal communications are intended for non-urgent matters.

Electronic communication may not be completely secure. Sensitive clinical matters are best addressed during scheduled appointments.

Messages are reviewed during normal business hours and responses may take up to two business days.

Electronic communication should never be used for emergencies.

Cancellation and Financial Policy

Appointments represent reserved time dedicated exclusively to you.

We request at least 48 business hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling.

Appointments missed without sufficient notice may be subject to the full session fee.

Payment is due at the time of service.

McLean Health Psychology Specialists is a self-pay practice and does not participate in insurance networks. Upon request, clients may receive a superbill for potential out-of-network reimbursement.

Outstanding balances may result in suspension of future appointments.

Artificial Intelligence and Digital Tools Disclosure

McLean Health Psychology Specialists may utilize secure digital technologies to support administrative functions and improve efficiency. Any technology used is selected with careful attention to privacy and security standards.

Artificial intelligence tools, if utilized, do not replace clinical judgment. All clinical decisions, assessments, treatment recommendations, and documentation are reviewed and directed by a licensed psychologist.

No confidential information will be disclosed beyond what is permitted by applicable law and professional standards.

Website Disclaimer

Information presented on this website is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or psychological care.

Reading website content, downloading materials, or contacting the practice does not establish a psychologist-patient relationship.

Results described on this website are not guarantees of specific outcomes. Individual experiences and responses to treatment vary.

Copyright Notice

All non-image content on this website, including text, branding, logos, design elements, proprietary treatment descriptions, and program materials, is the intellectual property of McLean Health Psychology Specialists unless otherwise stated and may not be reproduced, distributed, or used without prior written permission.

Imagery use, Intellectual Property, and Attribution

McLean Health Psychology Specialists is committed to respecting the intellectual property rights of artists, photographers, and content creators.

All images displayed on this website are obtained from sources that permit free download and use under applicable licensing terms, including but not limited to royalty-free and creative commons licenses. While these images are used in accordance with their licensing agreements, ownership and intellectual property rights remain with the original creators.

We acknowledge and respect the work of contributing artists and photographers. Where required or appropriate under licensing terms, attribution is provided below.

Photographer and Artist Attribution

We gratefully acknowledge the following contributors:

All images were obtained through Upsplash unless noted otherwise and are free to use under the Upsplash license.

If you are a copyright holder and believe that your work has been used in a way that requires additional attribution or removal, please contact us at 540-240-3538 so we may promptly address your concerns.

DISCLAIMERS

Effective Date: June 18, 2026

The information provided by McLean Health Psychology Specialists ("we," "our," or "us") through this website is intended for educational and informational purposes only. By using this website, you acknowledge and agree to the following disclaimers.

No Professional Relationship

Accessing this website, reading its content, downloading materials, completing contact forms, subscribing to newsletters, or communicating with the practice does not establish a psychologist-patient relationship.

A professional relationship is established only after completion of the intake process, informed consent, and mutual agreement to provide services.

Educational Purposes Only

Content provided on this website, including articles, blog posts, videos, downloadable resources, and other materials, is intended for general educational purposes and should not be considered medical, psychological, or legal advice.

Information presented on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition and should not replace consultation with qualified healthcare professionals.

No Guarantee of Results

Psychological treatment outcomes vary among individuals. Although evidence-based treatments are utilized, no specific results or outcomes can be guaranteed.

Testimonials, examples, or descriptions of treatment outcomes are illustrative only and should not be interpreted as promises or assurances of future results.

Medical Disclaimer

McLean Health Psychology Specialists does not provide medical care or prescribe medications.

Clients are encouraged to maintain relationships with their physicians and other healthcare providers. Psychological services are intended to complement—not replace—appropriate medical evaluation and treatment.

Do not discontinue medications or alter medical treatment without consulting your prescribing healthcare provider.

Individualized Care 

McLean Health Psychology Specialists provides individualized psychological care grounded in empirically supported, evidence-based treatment approaches. While each treatment plan is tailored to the unique needs, history, goals, and circumstances of the individual client, our clinical work is guided by established therapeutic models and interventions supported by scientific research.

This means that care is both personalized and structured. Treatment may include the use of standardized, evidence-based protocols—such as cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral medicine interventions, biofeedback, and medical hypnosis—that have demonstrated effectiveness across a wide range of clinical populations.

Because these approaches are grounded in validated clinical frameworks, certain core elements, strategies, and therapeutic exercises may be similar across clients. However, the application, pacing, emphasis, and integration of these interventions are always adapted to reflect individual differences, including medical conditions, symptom presentation, personal goals, and response to treatment.

The use of structured, empirically supported methods ensures consistency, clinical integrity, and adherence to best practices in psychological care, while the individualized application of these methods allows for flexibility and responsiveness to each client’s unique needs.

In summary, treatment at McLean Health Psychology Specialists reflects a combination of:

  • Evidence-based clinical protocols grounded in scientific research

  • Clinician expertise and professional judgment

  • Individualized adaptation based on client presentation and progress

  • Ongoing clinical evaluation and adjustment of treatment plans

This integrated approach allows for both the reliability of standardized interventions and the flexibility required for effective, patient-centered care.

Emergency Disclaimer

This practice does not provide emergency or crisis services.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, psychiatric emergency, suicidal thoughts, or believe you may be at risk of harming yourself or others, call 911, contact 988, or go immediately to the nearest emergency department.

Electronic communications, including email, voicemail, text messages, and website inquiries, are not continuously monitored and should never be used for urgent situations.

Telehealth Disclaimer

Telehealth services involve the use of electronic communication technologies and carry inherent risks, including technical interruptions and limitations to confidentiality.

By participating in telehealth services, clients acknowledge these limitations and understand that no electronic system can guarantee absolute privacy or security.

Clients are responsible for participating from a private environment and for complying with applicable laws regarding their physical location during sessions.

Medical Hypnosis Disclaimer

Medical hypnosis is an evidence-based clinical intervention used to support health and well-being. Individual responses to hypnosis vary.

Hypnosis is not mind control, entertainment, or a substitute for medical care. Results cannot be guaranteed, and hypnosis should be viewed as one component of a comprehensive treatment plan. Hypnosis is not a cure for cancer or any other medical condition.

Website and External Links Disclaimer

This website may contain links to third-party websites for informational purposes. McLean Health Psychology Specialists does not endorse and is not responsible for the content, privacy practices, products, or services offered by external websites.

Accessing third-party websites is done at your own risk.

Testimonials and Reviews Disclaimer

Testimonials and reviews reflect the personal experiences of individuals and are not intended to represent typical results. All reviews shared have been de-identified and the individual who submitted the review has agreed to having their review shared on this website.

Individual experiences vary, and no guarantee is made that others will achieve similar outcomes.

Jurisdiction and Licensing Disclaimer

Psychological services are provided only where permitted by applicable licensing laws and regulations.

Nothing on this website should be interpreted as an offer to provide services in jurisdictions where such services are prohibited.

Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using this website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these disclaimers.

McLean Health Psychology Specialists reserves the right to modify these disclaimers at any time without prior notice. Changes will become effective upon posting to this website.