BILL OF RIGHTS » COUNSELING

Client Rights
It is important for you to know you have many rights and responsibilities when you enter into counseling. The following list outlines them.

You Have a Right...

  • To considerate and respectful care which includes freedom from any physical, sexual, fiduciary (financial), or psychological abuse including humiliating, threatening, and exploiting actions;
  • To understand what your problem is, what treatment is recommended and why, who will give the treatment, and what outcome to expect;
  • To be involved in a process of informed choice, informed refusal, and/or expression of choice related to preference of your treatment services, choice of service provider and participation in research projects;
  • To expect that all communications and records pertaining to your care will be treated as confidential;
  • To have continuity of care when you are referred for services outside this agency;
  • To examine and receive an explanation of your bill.
  • To participate in all aspects of your treatment, including development of your treatment plan.
  • To have access to self-help and advocacy support services.

Your Responsibilities Are...

  • To be honest in your presentation of your problems and to tell those working with you how you feel about what is happening to you.
  • To be actively involved in the development of your treatment plan that will outline your problems, needs, goals, and expected outcome;
  • To be considerate of others and their privacy;
  • To present to your counselor any questions, complaints or concerns about your counseling plans or goals so that you may reach an agreement on any problem hindering your progress.

Client Rights
If you feel that any of your rights have been denied, you are requested to see your counselor about your complaint. If you feel that this has not resolved the problem, you may petition an inquiry from the agency by completing the form, “Client Complaint Procedure and Form,” and returning it to the receptionist for processing or by mailing it to us.

UCS will provide assistance to any client who has a disagreement about its services. Individuals are encouraged to resolve issues in an informal manner with the parties involved. If this is not successful, you should make your dissatisfaction known by using the “Grievance Procedure and Form.”