Consents & policies

General information

The therapeutic relationship is both personal and contractual. This consent sets expectations for our work together. Please ask questions at any time.

Establishing a therapeutic relationship

Fit matters. An initial consultation does not by itself create an ongoing treatment relationship. A physician–patient / therapeutic relationship begins only if both parties agree to continue after the first visit — typically after a second visit is scheduled and completed.

The therapeutic process

Seeking care is a positive step. Outcomes depend largely on engagement. Therapy and psychiatric care can involve discomfort when difficult material is addressed. There are no guaranteed cures. Dr. Brown will support you, work to understand patterns that matter, and help clarify what you want for yourself.

Medication

Finding a helpful medication plan often involves careful trial and adjustment. It is common to change medications more than once before finding a good fit. Benefits, risks, and alternatives will be discussed when medications are considered.

Confidentiality and its limits

Session content is confidential unless you authorize release in writing, or a legal/ethical exception applies, including but not limited to: risk of serious harm to self or others; reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or dependent adult; a valid court order or subpoena; court-ordered evaluation or treatment. Professional consultation may occur without using your name.

Public encounters

If we see each other in public, Dr. Brown will not acknowledge you first, to protect your privacy. If you greet him first, a brief hello is fine; longer clinical discussion belongs in session.

What telehealth is

Visits with this practice are conducted by secure video when appropriate. Video care is not identical to being in the same room. It can improve access and convenience, and may involve technical interruptions or limitations.

Platform

Video visits use the practice’s designated telehealth link (currently meet.drmattbrown.com / practice waiting-room tools). That platform is not an emergency service. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. The video tool does not replace clinical judgment or crisis care.

Your responsibilities

Join from a private space when possible. Do not enter a waiting room unless you have a scheduled visit. Do not assume the clinician has real-time access to all technical or third-party data. Either party may end a video visit if the connection is inadequate for safe care.

States served

Telehealth is offered only when you are physically located in Illinois, Kansas, or Missouri for the visit, consistent with licensure.

Appointments and cancellations

Please cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice are charged the full session fee, because that time is reserved for you. Late arrival may shorten the remaining session time.

Fees and insurance

This practice is out-of-network for all insurance plans. Payment is due on the day of the visit (HSA/FSA, card, ACH, or other accepted methods). A receipt/superbill can be provided for you to seek PPO reimbursement. The practice does not bill insurance companies directly.

Between-session contact

Messages and voicemail are for scheduling and brief non-urgent logistics. A return contact is typically attempted within 72 hours when possible, but is not guaranteed immediately. Do not use email, text, or chat for emergencies or detailed clinical crises — call 911 or go to the ER.

Social media

To protect confidentiality and boundaries, friend/contact requests from patients on social networks are not accepted.

Electronic communication

Email and text are not fully secure. They may be used for scheduling if you prefer, not for therapy content. Clinical discussion belongs in session.

Minors

If the patient is a minor, parents/guardians may have legal rights to certain information. What is shared will be discussed appropriately with the family.

Ending care

Ending treatment is ideally a planned process. Either party may end care when clinically or practically appropriate; remaining concerns and referrals can be discussed when possible.

Inactive care

Should you fail to schedule an appointment for three consecutive weeks, unless other arrangements have been made in advance, for legal and ethical reasons the professional relationship may be considered discontinued.

Our commitment

Health information about you is personal. This practice creates records needed to provide care and meet legal duties. Protected health information (PHI) that identifies you is kept private under applicable law.

How information may be used

PHI may be used and disclosed for treatment, payment, and health-care operations as allowed by law. Other uses generally require your authorization. You have rights to access, request amendments, request restrictions, and receive an accounting of certain disclosures, as provided by law.

Storage

Clinical and operational records are stored using encrypted systems under practice control, including secure email/file tools (e.g. Proton) and the practice’s clinical systems. Access is limited to people who need it for care or operations.

Questions

Contact the practice at 773-312-3858 or matt@drmattbrown.com with privacy questions. You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services if you believe your privacy rights have been violated.