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If you need to file a Complaint

If at any time during the therapeutic process you are dissatisfied with my services please let me know. If I am unable to resolve your concerns, you may report your complaint to the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council and appropriate state board.  LPC’s are licensed by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. 

NOTICE TO CLIENTS The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council investigates and prosecutes professional misconduct committed by marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, psychologists, psychological associates, social workers, and licensed specialists in school psychology. Although not every complaint against or dispute with a licensee involves professional misconduct, the Executive Council will provide you with information about how to file a complaint. 

Investigations/Complaints 24-hour, toll-free system (800) 821-3205. Or follow the link to fill out the form and submit to BHEC. https://bhec.texas.gov/complaints-enforcement-faqs/ Complaints must be submitted using the Council’s complaint form. The completed form can be sent by email to Enforcement@bhec.texas.gov or by mail to 1801 Congress Avenue, Suite 7.300, Austin, Texas 78701. 

If you have a complaint concerning the HIPAA Privacy Regulations, you may contact the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, at: OCRMail@hhs.gov 

If you believe that you have a Consumer Complaint regarding the privacy, security of your health information or business operations of your therapist, you may contact the Texas Office of the Attorney General and file a consumer complaint by clicking this link:
https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection/health-care/patient-privacy

If you need to Request Records

If you would like to request a copy of your mental health records please be aware Texas law requires that requests for mental health records be made in writing. Records are held for seven years from your last session or five years after the last session of a minor child turning 18. Records are then destroyed. To obtain your records, or your child’s records, please follow the steps below:

Download and fill out this form then submit to me directly, through the patient portal, Fax (512)863-9143 or email. https://www2.texasattorneygeneral.gov/files/agency/hb300_auth_form.pdf 

Please attach a current copy of your driver’s license passport or other federal or state acceptable ID form if you submit it through any other method than handing it to me. 

Records Fee for providing records: $25 for Paper or Electronic records. If the record is over 50 pages of paper each additional page is $1.00 Accepted payment methods are credit cards, money order, or cash. Texas law does not require records to be released until fees are paid. If you need only a summary or portion of your chart please indicate that on your request. 

Please note that according to Texas law the facility/counselor from whom you are requesting records has 15  days from the receipt of your request to respond.

Couples, family, or third-party records If you are requesting:

Couples counseling records, Family counseling records, Records for anyone other than yourself or your child State and federal law require either: A valid Court Order, or An Authorization signed by the individual (or parent/legal guardian) 

Relevant law: 45 C.F.R. §164.512(e); Texas Health & Safety Code §§611.004, 611.0045, 611.008

Additional requirements (if applicable):

Litigation-related records If records are requested for use in litigation, please include: Cause number, Case title, Court where the case is pending

Instructions for Attorneys and Document Companies

A subpoena alone is not sufficient to compel disclosure of confidential counseling or billing records, or other Protected Health Information (PHI), under HIPAA (45 C.F.R. Chapter 164). 

For mental health or medical records requested or subpoenaed in litigation (including testimony), HIPAA permits disclosure only under the following circumstances: In response to a valid court or administrative tribunal order, or When the individual (or parent/legal guardian): Is a party to the proceeding Has notice that the PHI has been requested, Does not object to the disclosure. An Authorization from the individual or parent satisfies this requirement. Relevant law: 45 C.F.R. §164.512(e)

Important Note: If the client or parent has indicated that they do not consent to release of records: A “Statement of Assurance” will not be accepted. A valid Authorization or Court Order will be required.