Client Resources

Our focus is on helping the whole person, so we may encourage your family to participate in family sessions.

Sessions are scheduled regularly, with frequency depending on the nature and seriousness of the issues.

Services typically last between 1 and 6 months, but the timeframe depends on motivation and progress.

Our office may call you during services to conduct a brief satisfaction survey; your feedback is important to us.

Within the first month, you and your family will work with your staff to develop a plan for services and goals.

Some funders require a licensed staff member to meet with you for another assessment within the first month.

You, your family, and your staff will discuss progress every three months and sign a documented review.

By the end of services, your family, and teacher if school services are provided, should also have learned ways to help you do your best.

Your staff will help prepare aftercare supports and ask you to evaluate the success of your services.

Several months after services end, you may be contacted as a follow-up to ensure you are still doing well.

All Heale staff will treat you and your family with respect.

Your religious and cultural beliefs will be respected. You will not be treated differently based on age, disability, race, sex, or ethnic group.

You can change staff, refuse referrals for other services, or stop services at any time without penalty.

You can decide when and with whom to share your private information. Information about you will not be shared without your permission, with limited legal and safety exceptions.

Information shared in an individual session with a child may have to be shared with a parent, but staff will only share information if it is necessary.

You have the right to review and obtain copies of your chart information in a timely manner. Some records may involve explanation requirements or associated costs.

We are required by law to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-222-8000
Vulnerable Adult Abuse Hotline: 1-844-437-6282
Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888

If a medical emergency occurs during a session, your staff will call 911 and follow the instructions given.

If a natural disaster is expected, such as a hurricane, tornado, or flood, follow National Weather Service guidance. Sessions may be canceled if travel is unsafe. If you're at our office, staff will remain with you until it's safe to leave. During home visits, staff may need to stay until conditions improve.

If the office's electricity goes out for more than 15 minutes, your session will be canceled and rescheduled.

An evacuation diagram with instructions is posted on or beside the exit door. If an office evacuation is necessary for safety, such as a fire, staff will guide you out to the meeting area next to the dumpster. Use the stairs, not the elevator.

Each office has a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit. Your staff will know where they are located.

Wash hands thoroughly with soap BEFORE eating, treating wounds, and putting in contacts, and AFTER using the bathroom, sneezing, and blowing your nose.

Shower daily and brush your teeth twice daily. Don't leave trash, dirty dishes, and food out, as these attract bugs, which can cause disease.

If you cannot afford or emotionally handle a child right now, get on reliable birth control.

Most birth control methods do not prevent STDs, so use a condom if you are not 100% sure that your partner is STD-free.

Eat less fast food, snacks, and fried food. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Eat when you are hungry, not because you are bored or stressed.

Spend less time sitting. Walk, jog, or bicycle several times per week. Even a 10-minute walk can reduce stress and boost your mood.

Reduce TV and video game time. Read books, magazines, or the newspaper. Play cards or board games that make you think. Work the puzzles in the newspaper. Do a jigsaw puzzle.

Focus on your breathing for 5 minutes a day. You can also try mindful walking, eating, or stretching.

Practice coping skills like journaling, listening to music, or talking to someone you trust.

Write down situations or feelings that make you want to use substances or engage in unhealthy behaviors.

Create a relapse prevention plan. Know your early warning signs and what steps to take if you feel yourself slipping.

Think about what has helped you through tough times. Lean into those skills.

Build positive relationships with friends, family, and your treatment team.

Support groups, hotlines, and local services are available. Don't wait for a crisis to reach out.

Learn about your diagnosis, symptoms, treatment options, and recovery options.

Ask your therapist about CBT or DBT strategies that can help you manage emotions and stress.

Ask your counselor for a list of nearby support groups, food assistance, housing help, or job programs.

Learn how to apply for Medicaid, access clinics, or get help with transportation or childcare.

All Heale staff are legally required to report allegations or suspicions of abuse or neglect of children or vulnerable adults.

If a Heale staff member believes that a client or family member is likely to seriously harm themselves or someone else, the staff member has a responsibility to protect that person and others from harm.

Tobacco use is not allowed in our office or building. It is only permitted in designated outdoor areas away from entrances and stairways. Staff may not use tobacco in the presence of clients or their families.

The use of recreational drugs or alcohol prior to or during sessions is not allowed. If staff believe a participant is under the influence, they may decide to cancel the session.

If a legally prescribed medication taken prior to or during a session impairs the ability of a client or other participant to benefit from services, staff may decide to cancel the session.

Please let us know if you have an advance directive. We will need a copy of this document for your file.