Cura Meadows Mental Health, PLLC is not a crisis or emergency service provider. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, including but not limited to thoughts of self-harm, harm to others, or a significant change in mental status, please take one of the following actions immediately:

1. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

2. Contact a local crisis hotline or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

3. Text “HELLO” to 741741 to connect with a trained counselor through the Crisis Text Line.

Important Note: Cura Meadows does not provide 24/7 on-call services. Any communications sent outside of scheduled appointments, including messages via email or phone, may not be immediately reviewed or responded to. If you require urgent support, please use the emergency resources listed above. By receiving services at Cura Meadows Mental Health, PLLC you acknowledge and understand that this practice does not serve as a substitute for emergency mental health care.

1. Mission Statement and Philosophy

At Cura Meadows Mental Health, PLLC, our mission is to provide compassionate, holistic, and trauma-informed psychiatric care that is individualized to each patient’s unique needs. We integrate psychopharmacology and psychotherapy with a patient-centered, collaborative approach to promote long-term healing and emotional well-being.

We prioritize:

• Building strong therapeutic alliances.

• Addressing the root causes of mental health concerns.

• Empowering patients to achieve sustainable wellness.

2. General Policies

2.1 Confidentiality and Privacy

At Cura Meadows, we take your privacy seriously and comply with all relevant legal standards,

including:

• HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act): All Protected Health Information (PHI) is safeguarded.

• 42 CFR Part 2: Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment records are protected by enhanced privacy regulations.

• Psychotherapy notes are maintained separately from your medical records and are not disclosed except as required by law.

Limits to Confidentiality:

Your confidentiality may be broken under the following circumstances:

1. Harm to Self or Others: If you express intent to harm yourself or others.

2. Abuse or Neglect: Suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or dependent adult.

3. Medical Emergencies: When life-threatening intervention is required.

4. Court Orders: If disclosure is legally mandated via subpoena or court order.

2.2 Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Patient Rights:

• To be treated with respect, dignity, and compassion.

• To participate in all treatment decisions and planning.

• To receive individualized, evidence-based care.

• To voice grievances or complaints without retaliation.

• To confidentiality of treatment, as required by law.

Patient Responsibilities:

• To provide accurate and up-to-date health and financial information.

• To attend scheduled appointments and follow the agreed treatment plan.

• To communicate any changes in symptoms, treatment concerns, or financial status promptly.

• To treat providers and staff with courtesy and respect.

3. Clinical Procedures

3.1 Informed Consent

• All patients must provide written consent prior to initiating treatment.

• Informed consent includes:

• An explanation of the proposed treatment plan.

• Discussion of potential benefits, risks, and side effects of treatment (medications and psychotherapy).

• Alternative treatment options.

• The patient’s right to decline or withdraw consent for treatment at any time.

3.2 Pregnancy Policy

Policy Guidelines:

1. Notification of Pregnancy: Patients must inform their provider as soon as they suspect or confirm pregnancy.

2. OB-GYN Approval: Psychotropic medications will not be continued without written approval from the patient’s OB-GYN.

3. Risk-Benefit Discussion:

• The risks of untreated psychiatric conditions during pregnancy will be discussed.

• The risks associated with continuing psychotropic medications will also be reviewed.

• Non-medication alternatives, such as psychotherapy, will be prioritized if medications are discontinued.

4. Postpartum Care:

• Medications may be resumed postpartum with approval from the patient’s OB-GYN and provider.

• A collaborative care plan will be implemented.

3.3 Medication Management

General Policy:

• Medications are prescribed after a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and are monitored closely.

Controlled Substances:

• Patients prescribed controlled substances must adhere to:

• Regular follow-up appointments.

• Random urine drug screens or pill counts as requested.

• Responsible medication storage and use.

Non-Compliance: Non-adherence to controlled substance policies may result in:

• Refusal to refill prescriptions.

• Termination of controlled substances.

• Discharge from Cura Meadows Mental Health with appropriate referrals.

Refill Requests:

• Medication refills are provided only during scheduled appointments.

• Requests require at least 7 business days’ notice.

• Refills will not be provided after hours, on weekends, or holidays.

3.4 Psychotherapy Services

• Psychotherapy sessions are 60 minutes and may occur weekly, biweekly, or as clinically indicated. 30min psychotherapy can be added to an already made appointment.

• Confidentiality is strictly maintained, and psychotherapy notes are stored separately.

• Therapy concludes when:

• Treatment goals are achieved.

• The patient requests termination.

• Alternative or higher levels of care are required.

3.5 Treatment of Substance Use Disorders (SUD)

• All SUD treatment records are protected under 42 CFR Part 2.

• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT):

• MAT is provided for eligible patients and requires:

• Regular adherence to treatment plans.

• Periodic in-person visits, even for telehealth clients.

• Random drug screens or pill counts as clinically necessary.

• Referrals will be made for patients requiring a higher level of care.

4. Administrative Procedures

4.1 Appointment Scheduling and Cancellations

• All appointments are reserved exclusively for each patient. Appointments must be canceled or rescheduled at least 24 hours in advance. Missed appointments or cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice will result in the patient being responsible for the full appointment fee, as this time was reserved specifically for them. Please note that this fee cannot be billed to insurance.

• Patients must provide at least 24 hours notice for cancellations.

• Missed Appointments or Late Cancellations:

• Full session fees will be charged.

• Exceptions may be made for documented emergencies at the provider’s discretion.

4.2 Fees, Payment, and Sliding Scale Policy

Fee Schedule:

• Initial Psychiatric Evaluation (60 minutes): $300

• Follow-Up/Medication Refill Appointments (30 minutes): $150

• Psychotherapy (60 minutes): $150

• Psychotherapy (30 minutes): $75

• Bounced Check Fee: $10

Sliding Scale Policy:

• Sliding scale fees may be offered based on the patient’s stated economic hardship in good faith.

• Hardship will be re-evaluated periodically, and supporting documentation may be requested.

4.3 Record Retention and Requests

• Written requests for records must be submitted. Fees may apply for preparation and copies.

• Sessions are not recorded. No visual/audio recordings of sessions are permitted without consent of provider and patient.

5. Telehealth Policy

• Telehealth sessions are conducted via secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms.

• Patients must:

• Be in a quiet, private, and internet-secure location.

• Confirm their physical location at the start of each session.

• Be located in Texas, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, or Arizona.

• I agree to notify my provider immediately if my location changes to a state where my provider is not licensed.

• Telehealth is not suitable for emergencies or crisis situations.

6. Social Media Policy

• Providers do not accept friend requests, messages, or connections with patients on social media.

• No Protected Health Information (PHI) will be shared on social media platforms.

7. Crisis Management

Cura Meadows Mental Health, PLLC does not provide 24/7 crisis services.

In an emergency:

• Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.

• Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

8. Provider Absence and Weather Emergencies

• Patients will be notified if the provider is unavailable due to sick days or personal matters.

• Alternative providers may be recommended for extended absences.

• Telehealth may be offered as an alternative during weather emergencies.

9. Peer Collaboration and Supervision

• Cura Meadows engages in peer consultation and coordinated care while maintaining confidentiality.

• In Texas, supervision by a physician is provided for prescribing controlled substances as required by state law.

10. Discontinuation of Care

Care may be discontinued for:

• Noncompliance with treatment plans or policies.

• Financial nonpayment.

• Inappropriate behavior toward staff or providers.

• If treatment needs exceed the scope of Cura Meadows’ services.

Referrals to other providers will be provided as necessary.

11. Disability Documentation Policy

• Cura Meadows focuses on medication management and psychotherapy and does not complete disability paperwork or make disability determinations.
• Clients may request a general treatment letter confirming their care at Cura Meadows for a $100 fee. This letter will not include disability statements, functional capacity evaluations, or opinions on work limitations.
• Clients needing disability-related documentation should consult their primary care provider, psychiatrist, or disability specialist. Medical records can be requested separately with a signed Release of Information (ROI) form.
• Cura Meadows reserves the right to decline documentation requests at our discretion. Providing a treatment letter or medical records does not guarantee approval for disability benefits or accommodations.

12. Policy Amendments

Cura Meadows Mental Health, PLLC reserves the right to amend, modify, or update these Policies and Procedures at any time and at its sole discretion, in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. It is the responsibility of the client to review the most current version of the Policies and Procedures, which will be made available on Cura Meadows’ official website or upon request from clinic staff. Continued use of services constitutes acknowledgment and acceptance of any updates or changes.

Notice of Privacy Practices

Effective Date: December 16, 2024

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN ACCESS THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

I. Our Commitment to Protecting Your Health Information

Cura Meadows Mental Health, PLLC (referred to as “Cura Meadows”) is dedicated to protecting the privacy of your health information. We create a record of the care and services you receive to provide quality treatment and comply with legal requirements. This notice describes:

• How Cura Meadows may use and disclose your Protected Health Information (PHI).

• Your rights regarding your PHI.

• How to file a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated.

By law, Cura Meadows is required to:

• Protect your PHI and ensure its confidentiality.

• Provide you with this notice explaining our legal duties and privacy practices.

• Abide by the terms of this notice.

• Notify you promptly if a breach compromises the privacy or security of your PHI.

Cura Meadows reserves the right to update this notice. Any changes will apply to all existing PHI and will be made available in our office, on our website, and upon request.

II. How Cura Meadows May Use and Disclose Your PHI

Cura Meadows may use and disclose your PHI without your written authorization in the following ways:

1. For Treatment, Payment, and Health Care Operations

• Treatment: Cura Meadows may use your PHI to coordinate your care or consult with other healthcare providers. Example: Sharing your information with a specialist for diagnosis or treatment.

• Payment: Cura Meadows may use your PHI to bill and collect payment for services rendered.

Example: Submitting information to your insurance provider.

• Health Care Operations: Cura Meadows may use your PHI for practice management, such as quality improvement or staff training.

2. Other Permitted Uses and Disclosures

Cura Meadows may use or disclose your PHI for the following purposes:

• Legal and Administrative Proceedings: Complying with court orders or subpoenas.

• Public Health and Safety: Reporting abuse, neglect, or serious threats to health or safety.

• Law Enforcement and Government Functions: Complying with requests related to national security, public health, or law enforcement investigations.

• Appointment Reminders and Health-Related Services: Contacting you about appointments or informing you of treatment alternatives or benefits.

III. Uses and Disclosures Requiring Your Authorization

Certain uses and disclosures of your PHI require your written consent, including:

1. Psychotherapy Notes: These are only disclosed with your explicit consent, except in specific circumstances such as legal defense or compliance with the law.

2. Marketing and Sale of PHI: Cura Meadows does not sell PHI or use it for marketing purposes. You may revoke your authorization at any time in writing, except when Cura Meadows has already acted based on your authorization.

IV. Your Rights Regarding Your PHI

You have the following rights:

1. Right to Access and Copies

You may request an electronic or paper copy of your PHI (excluding psychotherapy notes). Cura Meadows will provide your records within 30 days of a written request and may charge a reasonable, cost-based fee.

2. Right to Amend

You may request corrections to your PHI if it is incomplete or inaccurate. Cura Meadows may deny the request but will provide an explanation in writing.

3. Right to Request Restrictions

You may request limitations on the use or disclosure of your PHI. While Cura Meadows is not required to agree, reasonable requests will be considered.

4. Right to Confidential Communications

You may request that Cura Meadows contact you in specific ways (e.g., via mail or phone) or at a specific location.

5. Right to an Accounting of Disclosures

You may request a list of disclosures made without your authorization for purposes other than treatment, payment, or health care operations. Cura Meadows will respond within 60 days.

6. Right to Receive a Copy of this Notice

You may request a paper or electronic copy of this notice at any time, even if you have agreed to receive it electronically.

V. Filing a Complaint

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with Cura Meadows or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

To file a complaint with Cura Meadows, contact:

Cura Meadows Mental Health, PLLC

9801 Westheimer Rd, Ste 300, Houston, TX 77042

Phone: 832-402-

Email/Text: Client Portal

To file a complaint with HHS, visit www.hhs.gov/hipaa/filing-a-complaint or contact:

Office for Civil Rights

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

You will not face retaliation for filing a complaint.

VI. Acknowledgment of Receipt of Privacy Notice

Under HIPAA, you have certain rights regarding the use and disclosure of your PHI. 

Accessibility

This notice is provided at the time of your first visit, is always available in our office and our website. You may request a copy at any time.