TERMS OF SERVICE

Effective Date: January 1, 2025
Last Updated: January 1, 2025

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to Therapy with Akilah, LLC ("we," "us," "our," or "the Practice"). These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of our website www.therapywithakilah.com (the "Website") and the mental health services we provide.

By using our Website or engaging our services, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree with these Terms, please do not use our Website or services.

These Terms apply to:

  • Website visitors and users

  • Prospective clients scheduling consultations

  • Current clients receiving therapy services

Additional documents you should review:

1. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS

By accessing our Website or booking services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms, as well as our Privacy Policy and HIPAA Notice.

If you are booking services on behalf of a minor (under 18), you represent that you are the parent or legal guardian and have authority to consent to treatment.

2. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

2.1 Therapy Services

Therapy with Akilah, LLC provides individual psychotherapy services to adult women (18+) via telehealth (online video sessions).

Services offered:

  • Generational growth therapy

  • Family systems therapy

  • Therapy for women from complex families

  • Self-love and boundary-setting work

  • Treatment for guilt, people-pleasing, and family patterns

Services we do NOT provide:

  • Emergency or crisis intervention services

  • Couples or family therapy

  • Psychiatric medication management

  • Court-ordered evaluations or treatment

  • Forensic evaluations or expert witness testimony

  • In-person/office-based sessions

2.2 Geographic Limitations

We are licensed to provide services only to individuals physically located in:

  • Pennsylvania

  • New Jersey

  • Washington, D.C.

You must be physically located in one of these jurisdictions during all therapy sessions. We cannot provide services to individuals located outside these areas, even temporarily.

2.3 Telehealth Services

All therapy services are provided via telehealth (online video sessions) using HIPAA-compliant platforms:

  • SimplePractice (primary platform)

  • Doxy.me (backup platform)

By engaging in telehealth services, you acknowledge:

  • Technology can fail, and sessions may be disrupted

  • You are responsible for using a secure internet connection

  • You will be in a private location during sessions

  • You understand the limitations and risks of telehealth

See Section 8: Telehealth Policies for details.

3. ELIGIBILITY AND CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1 Age Requirement

Our services are designed for adults (18 years and older). We do not provide services to minors without parental consent and appropriate assessment.

3.2 Client Responsibilities

By engaging our services, you agree to:

Provide accurate information:

  • Provide truthful and complete information during intake and sessions

  • Update your contact information and insurance details as needed

  • Inform us of any changes to your mental health status or medications

Attend scheduled sessions:

  • Arrive on time for appointments

  • Be in a private, quiet location

  • Use a stable internet connection

  • Have a functioning device with camera and microphone

Follow cancellation policies:

  • Provide adequate notice for cancellations or rescheduling

  • Understand our cancellation and no-show policies (see Section 7)

Payment responsibilities:

  • Pay for services before each session

  • Keep a valid credit card on file

  • Notify us of billing issues promptly

Engage appropriately:

  • Participate actively and honestly in therapy

  • Respect professional boundaries

  • Communicate concerns or questions openly

Safety responsibilities:

  • Have a safety plan in place for mental health crises

  • Understand that we do not provide emergency services

  • Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room in crisis situations

4. FREE CONSULTATION POLICY

4.1 What the Consultation Is

We offer a free 20-minute consultation to prospective clients to:

  • Discuss your concerns and therapy goals

  • Determine if our services are a good fit

  • Answer questions about the therapy process

  • Review logistics (scheduling, fees, insurance)

4.2 What the Consultation Is NOT

The free consultation is NOT:

  • A therapy session

  • A crisis intervention

  • A diagnosis or treatment plan

  • A commitment to ongoing therapy

4.3 No Guarantee of Services

Booking a consultation does not guarantee that we will accept you as a client or that services will be available. We reserve the right to:

  • Decline to provide services if not a good fit

  • Refer you to another provider if appropriate

  • Determine we are not qualified to address your specific needs

5. SCHEDULING AND APPOINTMENTS

5.1 Booking Appointments

Appointments are scheduled through our secure client portal (SimplePractice).

Available appointment times:

  • Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays

  • 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM EST

5.2 Session Duration

Standard therapy sessions are 50 minutes.

5.3 Session Frequency

Most clients attend weekly or biweekly sessions. Session frequency is determined collaboratively based on your needs and goals.

5.4 Confirmation

You will receive an email confirmation when you book an appointment. It is your responsibility to ensure appointments are correctly scheduled.

5.5 Late Arrivals

If you are late:

  • Sessions end at the scheduled time (not extended)

  • You are responsible for the full session fee

  • Repeated lateness may result in termination of services

If the therapist is late:

  • The full session time will be provided

  • Or the session will be rescheduled at no charge

5.6 Technical Issues

If technical difficulties prevent a session from occurring:

  • We will attempt to reconnect or use an alternative platform

  • If the issue cannot be resolved, the session will be rescheduled

  • No charge if the issue is on our end

  • Full session fee applies if the issue is on your end (unless documented technical failure)

6. FEES AND PAYMENT

6.1 Session Fees

Private Pay (Self-Pay): $130 per 50-minute session

Insurance:

  • If we are in-network with your insurance, you pay your copay (typically $10–$60)

  • You are responsible for verifying your insurance benefits before booking

Sliding Scale: $90–$115 per session (limited availability, based on financial need)

6.2 Payment Terms

Payment is due BEFORE each session.

How payment works:

  1. You will receive an invoice after booking an appointment

  2. Pay the invoice before your scheduled session

  3. Once payment is received, your appointment is confirmed

  4. Sessions will not begin until payment is received

Why prepayment? This allows us to use your full session time for therapy, not payment processing.

6.3 Accepted Payment Methods

  • Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)

  • Debit card

  • HSA (Health Savings Account)

  • FSA (Flexible Spending Account)

Payment is processed through SimplePractice's secure payment system.

6.4 Credit Card on File

A valid credit card must be kept on file for all clients. This ensures:

  • Timely payment of session fees

  • Payment of no-show or late cancellation fees

  • Continuity of care without payment interruptions

6.5 Insurance Claims

If you use insurance:

  • We submit claims on your behalf (if in-network)

  • You are responsible for your copay, deductible, and any services not covered by insurance

  • If your insurance denies a claim, you are responsible for the full session fee

  • It is your responsibility to verify benefits and coverage before services

6.6 Superbills

If we are not in-network with your insurance:

  • We can provide a superbill (detailed receipt)

  • You can submit the superbill to your insurance for out-of-network reimbursement

  • We are not responsible for whether your insurance reimburses you

  • You are responsible for the full session fee upfront

6.7 Late Payments

If payment is not received before a session:

  • The session will not take place

  • The appointment will be forfeited

  • You may reschedule once payment is received

For overdue balances:

  • Services will be suspended until payment is received

  • A late fee of $25 may be applied after 30 days

  • Outstanding balances may be sent to collections

6.8 Fee Changes

We reserve the right to change our fees with 30 days' written notice. Current clients will be notified via email.

7. CANCELLATION AND NO-SHOW POLICY

7.1 Cancellation Policy

To cancel or reschedule an appointment, you must provide at least ONE WEEK (7 days) notice.

If you provide at least one week's notice:

  • You may reschedule to another time within the same week, the week before, or the week after

  • No fee charged

7.2 Late Cancellation

If you cancel with less than one week's notice:

  • You forfeit the session fee

  • No rescheduling allowed without paying for a new session

Exceptions: We understand that emergencies happen. Late cancellations may be excused for:

  • Medical emergencies (yours or immediate family)

  • Severe weather that prevents safe travel

  • Other extraordinary circumstances (at therapist's discretion)

To request an exception: Contact us as soon as possible to explain the situation.

7.3 No-Show Policy

If you do not show up for a scheduled session:

  • You forfeit the full session fee

  • No refund or credit will be provided

  • To continue therapy, you must book and pay for a new appointment

A "no-show" includes:

  • Not logging in to the session

  • Not responding to therapist's attempts to reach you

  • Technology issues on your end that prevent the session (unless documented technical failure)

7.4 Therapist Cancellations

If the therapist cancels a session:

  • You will be notified as soon as possible

  • Your next session will be free, OR

  • You will receive a full refund

This has never happened—I show up for you.

7.5 Repeated Cancellations or No-Shows

If you have multiple late cancellations or no-shows:

  • We may require payment in advance for future sessions

  • We may discontinue services if the pattern continues

  • Therapy requires consistency; repeated cancellations may indicate this is not the right time for therapy

8. TELEHEALTH POLICIES

8.1 Telehealth Consent

By engaging in telehealth services, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

Benefits of telehealth:

  • Access to therapy from the comfort of your own space

  • Eliminates travel time and costs

  • Flexibility in scheduling

  • Continuity of care regardless of location (within licensed states)

Risks and limitations of telehealth:

  • Technology failures may disrupt sessions

  • Internet outages or technical issues may prevent sessions

  • Reduced ability to observe nonverbal cues compared to in-person

  • Potential (though rare) security breaches despite encryption

  • Delays in communication compared to in-person

  • Not appropriate for all mental health conditions or situations

Your responsibilities for telehealth:

  • Use a private, quiet location for sessions

  • Use a secure internet connection (not public Wi-Fi)

  • Ensure your device (computer, tablet, phone) has a working camera and microphone

  • Protect your login credentials and do not share them

  • Inform the therapist of your physical location at the start of each session

  • Notify the therapist immediately if your location changes (e.g., traveling to another state)

8.2 Technology Requirements

You must have:

  • Reliable high-speed internet connection

  • A device with camera and microphone (computer, tablet, or smartphone)

  • Updated web browser or SimplePractice/Doxy.me app

  • Private space where you will not be interrupted or overheard

We use:

  • SimplePractice (primary platform) - HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform

  • Doxy.me (backup platform) - HIPAA-compliant, no account needed

8.3 Emergency Procedures

Telehealth is not appropriate for mental health emergencies or crises.

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency:

  • Call 911 immediately

  • Go to the nearest emergency room

  • Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (available 24/7)

  • Call the Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

At the start of services, you will provide:

  • Your current physical address

  • An emergency contact person

  • Local emergency resources in your area

If a crisis arises during a session:

  • The therapist will work with you to ensure your immediate safety

  • The therapist may need to contact emergency services on your behalf

  • The therapist may break confidentiality to protect your safety (as permitted by law)

8.4 Confidentiality and Technology

We take security seriously:

  • All platforms are HIPAA-compliant and encrypted

  • Sessions are conducted over secure connections

  • Video sessions are NOT recorded (unless you request and provide written consent)

  • We do not store video recordings

However, you should know:

  • Technology can be hacked (though rare with proper precautions)

  • Your internet provider may have access to metadata (not content)

  • If someone else has access to your device, they may see your appointments or communications

Protect your privacy:

  • Use a secure Wi-Fi connection (not public Wi-Fi)

  • Log out of the client portal after each use

  • Do not share your passwords

  • Keep your device secured

9. CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY

9.1 Confidentiality in Therapy

Everything you share in therapy is confidential and will not be disclosed without your written authorization, except in specific circumstances required or permitted by law.

For complete details, see our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices.

9.2 Exceptions to Confidentiality

We are required by law to break confidentiality in the following situations:

1. Imminent risk of harm:

  • If you pose a serious and imminent threat of harm to yourself

  • If you pose a serious and imminent threat of harm to another person

  • If you are unable to care for yourself (grave disability)

2. Child abuse or neglect:

  • If we have reasonable suspicion that a child is being abused or neglected, we must report to Child Protective Services

3. Elder or dependent adult abuse:

  • If we have reasonable suspicion that an elder (65+) or dependent adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited, we must report to Adult Protective Services

4. Court orders or legal proceedings:

  • If we receive a valid court order or subpoena, we may be required to disclose information

  • We will notify you and assert privilege to the extent possible

5. Communication with other providers:

  • With your written authorization, we may communicate with other healthcare providers involved in your care

9.3 Limits of Confidentiality in Telehealth

Electronic communications have inherent risks:

  • Email is not fully secure (we will not discuss clinical details via email)

  • Text messages are not secure

  • Technology can be breached despite security measures

For sensitive communications, use the secure messaging feature in SimplePractice.

10. INFORMED CONSENT FOR TREATMENT

10.1 Nature of Therapy

Therapy is a collaborative process between you and your therapist. It involves:

  • Exploring your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and patterns

  • Gaining insight into family dynamics and generational patterns

  • Developing new skills and coping strategies

  • Working toward your personal goals

Therapy is not:

  • A quick fix or magic solution

  • Advice-giving or telling you what to do

  • A guarantee of specific outcomes

10.2 Risks and Benefits of Therapy

Potential benefits:

  • Reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns

  • Improved relationships and communication skills

  • Greater self-awareness and self-compassion

  • Increased ability to set healthy boundaries

  • Better understanding of family patterns and how to break them

  • Enhanced overall well-being and life satisfaction

Potential risks:

  • Therapy can bring up uncomfortable emotions

  • Exploring past trauma or family dynamics can be painful

  • Relationships may change as you change (not always for the worse, but change can be difficult)

  • Some people feel worse before they feel better as they work through difficult issues

  • Therapy requires time, effort, and emotional investment

10.3 No Guarantees

We cannot guarantee specific results from therapy. Your progress depends on many factors, including:

  • Your active participation and effort

  • The nature and severity of your concerns

  • Your support system and life circumstances

  • The therapeutic relationship and fit between you and the therapist

10.4 Alternative Treatments

Therapy is not the only treatment for mental health concerns. Alternatives may include:

  • Medication (prescribed by a psychiatrist or physician)

  • Support groups or peer support

  • Self-help books or online resources

  • Lifestyle changes (exercise, nutrition, sleep, stress management)

  • Other forms of therapy or therapeutic approaches

10.5 Right to Terminate Services

You have the right to stop therapy at any time. However, we encourage you to discuss your decision with your therapist so we can:

  • Process your experience of therapy

  • Provide appropriate referrals if needed

  • Ensure a smooth transition

We may terminate services if:

  • You repeatedly violate these Terms

  • You engage in threatening or abusive behavior

  • Payment issues cannot be resolved

  • We determine we are not qualified to meet your needs

  • The therapeutic relationship is not beneficial

If services are terminated, we will:

  • Provide appropriate notice (except in cases of threatening behavior)

  • Offer referrals to other providers

  • Provide a summary of your treatment (if requested)

11. COMMUNICATIONS POLICY

11.1 Email Communications

We use email for:

  • Appointment confirmations

  • General information and administrative matters

  • Newsletter (Love's Practice)

  • Links to the client portal

We do NOT use email for:

  • Clinical discussions or therapy content

  • Emergency communications

  • Detailed health information

If you need to discuss clinical matters, please:

  • Use the secure messaging feature in SimplePractice, OR

  • Bring it up during your next session

11.2 Text Messages

We may send appointment reminders via text through SimplePractice. These messages do not contain clinical information.

Text messages are not secure and should not be used for clinical discussions.

11.3 Phone Calls

We use phone calls for:

  • Brief administrative matters

  • Scheduling or rescheduling appointments

  • Emergency contact (if needed)

Phone calls are not a substitute for therapy sessions and are not billed separately unless they exceed 15 minutes or constitute a brief consultation (in which case you will be notified).

11.4 Social Media

We do not:

  • Accept friend or follow requests from current or former clients on personal social media accounts

  • Interact with clients on social media platforms

This is to protect your privacy and maintain appropriate boundaries.

You are welcome to follow @akilahjpierre on Instagram for educational content and information about Love's Practice, but we will not follow you back or engage in direct messages.

11.5 Response Time

We aim to respond to non-urgent messages within 24-48 business hours (Monday–Friday).

If you do not receive a response within 48 hours:

  • Check your spam/junk folder

  • Contact us again (messages may occasionally be missed)

For urgent matters that cannot wait 48 hours:

  • Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room

  • Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

12. PROFESSIONAL BOUNDARIES

12.1 Dual Relationships

To maintain a professional therapeutic relationship, we avoid dual relationships (relationships outside of therapy).

We do not:

  • Provide therapy to friends, family members, or people we know personally

  • Engage in business relationships with current or former clients

  • Attend social events where clients will be present (when possible to avoid)

  • Accept gifts of significant value from clients

Small tokens of appreciation (e.g., a card, holiday cookies) are acceptable, but expensive gifts will be declined.

12.2 Romantic or Sexual Relationships

Romantic or sexual relationships between therapist and client are NEVER appropriate, are unethical, and are illegal. This prohibition continues indefinitely after therapy ends.

If you develop romantic or sexual feelings toward your therapist, please discuss this in session so it can be addressed therapeutically.

13. RECORDS AND DOCUMENTATION

13.1 Clinical Records

We maintain clinical records for each client as required by law and professional standards. Records may include:

  • Intake forms and assessment information

  • Treatment plans and progress notes

  • Billing and insurance information

  • Correspondence related to your care

13.2 Access to Records

You have the right to review and request copies of your clinical records, subject to certain exceptions permitted by law.

To request your records:

  • Submit a written request via email or mail

  • Allow up to 30 days for processing

  • We may charge a reasonable fee for copying and mailing

See our HIPAA Notice for details about accessing your records.

13.3 Record Retention

We retain clinical records for at least 7 years after the last date of service, in accordance with professional standards and state law requirements.

After the retention period, records are securely destroyed.

14. WEBSITE USE

14.1 Acceptable Use

You agree to use our Website only for lawful purposes and in a manner that does not:

  • Violate any applicable laws or regulations

  • Infringe on the rights of others

  • Harass, abuse, or harm others

  • Transmit viruses, malware, or other harmful code

  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems

  • Scrape, copy, or reproduce content without permission

14.2 Intellectual Property

All content on our Website is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws.

This includes:

  • Text, images, graphics, and design

  • Love's Practice newsletter content

  • Blog posts and articles

  • Logos and branding

You may:

  • View and print content for personal, non-commercial use

  • Share links to our Website

You may NOT:

  • Reproduce, distribute, or republish content without written permission

  • Use our content for commercial purposes

  • Remove copyright notices or attributions

  • Use our name, logo, or branding without permission

14.3 Third-Party Links

Our Website may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., insurance providers, professional organizations, book retailers).

We are not responsible for:

  • The content or accuracy of third-party websites

  • The privacy practices of third-party websites

  • Any transactions you conduct with third parties

You access third-party websites at your own risk.

14.4 User-Generated Content

If you submit content to our Website (e.g., through a contact form or newsletter comment section):

You grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, modify, and display your content.

You represent that:

  • You own or have rights to the content you submit

  • Your content does not violate any laws or third-party rights

  • Your content does not contain defamatory, obscene, or offensive material

We reserve the right to:

  • Remove or refuse to publish any user-generated content

  • Moderate comments or submissions

  • Block users who violate these Terms

15. DISCLAIMERS

15.1 No Medical Advice

Content on our Website is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute:

  • Medical or mental health advice

  • A substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment

  • A therapist-client relationship

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, contact a licensed professional or call 911.

15.2 No Guarantee of Results

We do not guarantee specific outcomes from therapy or Website content. Mental health treatment is highly individualized, and results vary.

15.3 Website Availability

We do not guarantee that our Website will be available at all times or free from errors, viruses, or other harmful components.

We are not liable for:

  • Website downtime or technical issues

  • Loss of data or information

  • Damages resulting from Website use

15.4 External Content

We are not responsible for the accuracy, reliability, or legality of:

  • Third-party websites linked from our Website

  • Content created by third parties

  • Information provided by insurance companies or other entities

16. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

To the fullest extent permitted by law:

We are not liable for:

  • Indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages

  • Loss of profits, revenue, data, or goodwill

  • Damages resulting from Website use or inability to use the Website

  • Damages resulting from therapy services or outcomes

Our total liability to you shall not exceed the amount you paid for services in the 12 months preceding the claim.

This limitation applies even if:

  • We have been advised of the possibility of damages

  • A remedy fails of its essential purpose

Some jurisdictions do not allow limitation of liability, so these limitations may not apply to you.

17. INDEMNIFICATION

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Therapy with Akilah, LLC, its owner, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including attorney's fees) arising from:

  • Your use of the Website

  • Your violation of these Terms

  • Your violation of any third-party rights

  • Your provision of false or misleading information

18. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

18.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, without regard to conflict of law principles.

18.2 Jurisdiction

Any disputes arising from these Terms or our services shall be resolved in the state or federal courts located in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.

By using our Website or services, you consent to the jurisdiction of these courts.

18.3 Arbitration (Optional)

We may offer arbitration as an alternative to litigation. If both parties agree, disputes may be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.

Arbitration proceedings will be conducted in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, unless otherwise agreed.

19. CHANGES TO THESE TERMS

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time.

When we make changes:

  • We will update the "Last Updated" date at the top

  • We will post the revised Terms on this page

  • For material changes, we may notify you via email or a prominent notice on our Website

Your continued use of our Website or services after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms.

We encourage you to review these Terms periodically.

20. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

The invalid provision will be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable.

21. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, HIPAA Notice, and Good Faith Estimate, constitute the entire agreement between you and Therapy with Akilah, LLC regarding your use of our Website and services.

These Terms supersede any prior agreements or understandings.

22. WAIVER

Our failure to enforce any provision of these Terms does not constitute a waiver of that provision or our right to enforce it in the future.

23. CONTACT INFORMATION

If you have questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us:

Akilah J. Pierre, LMFT
Therapy with Akilah, LLC
5049 Copley Road
Philadelphia, PA 19144

Email: akilah@therapywithakilah.com
Phone: 610-227-5071
Website: www.therapywithakilah.com

24. ACKNOWLEDGMENT

By using our Website or engaging our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service