Policies

In Minnesota, we need your consent before we disclose protected health information for treatment, payment, and operations purposes, unless the disclosure is to a related entity, or the disclosure is for a medical emergency and we are unable to obtain your consent. [Minn. Stat. §§ 13.386, 254A.09]

https://www.health.state.mn.us/facilities/ehealth/privacy/docs/practices.pdf

Behavioral Health and Therapy (BBHT), Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy
https://mn.gov/boards/behavioral-health/

Notice of Privacy Practices

This Notice is in effect as of 1/1/2025

Atlas Counseling, LLC is required by law to maintain privacy and protection of your health information and inform you of your privacy practices and legal duties. You have the right to obtain a paper copy of this Notice at any time.

Atlas Counseling, LLC, serves as the designee to answer your questions about the privacy practices and to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Atlas Counseling, LLC is responsible for addressing complaints and providing information on how to file a complaint.

Use and Disclosure of Your Protected Health Information

Information contained in your records may be used to provide your treatment, obtain payment for services, and assist in health care operations. We may disclose information to aid you in obtaining health care services from other providers, to obtain payment from insurers, and to review records for efficacy.

Your Rights

You have the right to request restricted use of your information, receive confidential communication, review and obtain a copy of your records, request amendments to your information, and file complaints regarding this privacy policy.

For a full detailed version of our privacy policy, including information on research use, specialized government purposes, and more, please contact our office.

Informed Consent

General Information

The therapeutic relationship is unique in that it is a highly personal and at the same time, a contractual agreement. Given this, it is important for us to reach a clear understanding about how our relationship will work, including dual relationships, and what each of us can expect. This consent will provide a clear framework for our work together. Feel free to discuss any of this, when you find it important.

The Therapeutic Process

You have taken a step by deciding to seek therapy. The outcome of your treatment depends on your willingness to engage in this process, which may, at times, result in considerable discomfort. Remembering unpleasant events and becoming aware of feelings attached to those events can bring on strong feelings of anger, depression, anxiety, etc. It can be difficult to know if your behaviors or circumstances will change, without commitment and active engagement in the process. Know you will be supported and will be provided the best understanding to help you identify repeating patterns, as well as to help you clarify what it is that you want for yourself.

Confidentiality

The session content and all relevant materials to the client’s treatment will be held confidential unless the client requests in writing to have all or portions of such content released to a specifically named person/persons. Limitations of such client held privilege of confidentiality exist and are itemized below:

1. If a client threatens or attempts suicide or otherwise conducts themselves in a manner in which there is a substantial risk of incurring serious bodily harm.
2. If a client threatens grave bodily harm or death to another person.
3. If the therapist has a reasonable suspicion that a client or other named victim is the perpetrator, observer of, or actual victim of physical, emotional or sexual abuse of children under the age of 18 years.
4. Suspicions as stated above in the case of an elderly person who may be subjected to these abuses.
5. Suspected neglect of the parties named in items #3 and # 4.
6. If a court of law issues a legitimate subpoena for information stated on the subpoena.
7. If a client is in therapy or being treated by order of a court of law, or if information is obtained for the purpose of rendering an expert’s report to an attorney.

Occasionally I may need to consult with other professionals in their areas of expertise in order to provide the best treatment for you. Information about you may be shared in this context without using your name.

If provider and client see each other accidentally outside of the therapy office, the provider will not acknowledge you first. Your right to privacy and confidentiality is of the utmost importance, and do not wish to jeopardize your privacy. However, if you acknowledge your provider first, there can be brief conversation, but feel it appropriate not to engage in any lengthy discussions in public or outside of the therapy office. If the environment is a space where the provider and client are both in professional roles, work conversation or interaction is appropriate.

Insurance Providers and Legal Obligations (when applicable)

Insurance companies and other third-party papers are given information, when requested, regarding services to clients. Information that may be requested includes, but is not limited to: types of service, dates/times of service, diagnosis, treatment plan, and description of impairment, progress of therapy, case notes, and summaries. Clients will be made aware of any requests for records and can provided an equivalent copy upon request.

License and Grievance Information

Shannon Seibel is a Masters Level Clinical Counselor monitored by the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy. If you would like to file a grievance or complaint with the board, contact information is below:

Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy
2829 University Avenue SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414

Nondiscrimination Policy

Atlas Counseling, LLC and Shannon Seibel do not exclude, deny benefits to, or otherwise discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, and/or inability to pay in admission to, participation in, or receipt of the services and benefits under any of its programs and activities, whether carried Atlas Counseling, LLC, or Shannon Seibel, directly or through a contractor or any other entity with which Atlas Counseling, LLC or Shannon Seibel, arranges to carry out its programs and activities.

This statement is in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Regulations of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued pursuant to these statutes at Title 45 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 80, 84, and 91.

In case of questions, please contact:

Provider Name: Atlas Counseling, LLC
Contact Person: Shannon Seibel, MS, LPCC
Telephone number: 218-407-0596