Tonya Gilkerson, L.C.S.W.
Policies
Confidentiality
Social work professional ethics require me to keep everything we discuss in the strictest of confidence. I have no intention of giving information about you without your permission. A release of information is required for me to give any information to anyone about you. I have no objection to you revealing to others what is discussed during your sessions. Video taping and recording devices are not permitted within the session unless authorized and documentation signed.
There are some exceptions to the principle of confidentiality. It applies to me and all other mental health professionals in the State of Illinois. If you indicate to me that you intend to seriously harm someone or yourself, I am required by law to take action to prevent that harm from occurring. This includes, but is not limited to, alerting the authorities, warning the person whom is being threatened and/or calling 911. I must follow all of the guidelines established by the State of Illinois F.O.I.D. law.
As a mental health professional in Illinois I am a mandated reporter for any suspected child or elder abuse. These occurrences will be reported to the Department of Children and Family Services or the Illinois Department on Aging. It will be up to that agency to investigate the report.
Time of Appointments
Please arrive promptly for your scheduled appointment. If I am late, I will try to inform you in advance. If I cause a late start, we will still meet for the full session time. If you arrive late for an appointment, the session will end at its scheduled time. The charge for these shortened meetings will be for the full amount.
Cancellations
A 24-hour cancellation notice is required for all scheduled session. If your cancellation is received after 24 hours, you will be charged the full amount for your session.
Method of Payment
Payment may be made by cash, check or credit card at the end of each session. There is a $30 fee for all returned checks. If you are planning to bill through your insurance company, I am a participating provider with Blue Cross and Blue Shield PPO, Multi-Plan and several others. Contact your insurance company to determine if I am participating provider within your insurance company and determine what your individual policy's mental health coverage is. Co-payments are due at the end of each session. Additional payments may be necessary following payment from your insurance carrier due to deductibles and co-insurance.
Phone sessions will be billed accordingly.
See Your Doctor
Please attain a physical examination from your personal physician within the first month of therapy. It is important to ensure none of the difficulties you are experiencing are a result of a physical health problem. Please follow your doctors' recommendations.
Emergency Meetings
I will try to be available to you as much as possible via phone, text or e-mail. If you need immediate assistance, please go to your local emergency room.
If you would like more information about me, please visit my profile at Psychologytoday.com.