JL Family Services Practice Policy
At JL Family Services Ltd, we believe effective therapy starts with clear communication, transparency, and respect.
Our policies are designed to ensure ethical care, protect your privacy, and maintain compliance with HIPAA and Illinois law.
Scheduling & Communication
All therapy appointments are scheduled directly with your therapist by secure message, email, or text.
We encourage the use of our secure client portal for scheduling, messaging, and document sharing — it’s HIPAA-compliant and ensures faster communication.
Therapists strive to begin sessions on time and will notify you if running more than ten minutes late.
If your therapist must cancel due to an emergency or unforeseen circumstance, they will coordinate to reschedule as soon as possible.
If you need to reach your therapist between sessions, please use secure messaging in the client portal.
Text and email should be reserved for scheduling only and should not contain sensitive or clinical information.
Cancellation & Missed Appointment Policy
Therapy sessions are reserved exclusively for you.
To maintain fairness and respect for our clinicians’ time, JL Family Services requires at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or reschedules.
Late cancellations (less than 24 hours’ notice) or missed appointments will be billed at your full out-of-pocket session rate.
This fee is non-refundable and not covered by insurance.
If you arrive late, your session will still end at the scheduled time to accommodate the next client.
Repeated missed or late cancellations may result in the loss of your standing appointment time or a temporary pause in services.
To cancel or reschedule, please contact your therapist through the secure client portal or email intakes@jlfamilyservices.com.
Billing & Insurance Payment Policy
JL Family Services Ltd accepts most major insurance plans as well as private-pay clients.
It is each client’s responsibility to confirm their coverage and eligibility prior to starting services.
Payment Requirements:
Payment is due at the time of service.
Accepted forms of payment include credit/debit cards and HSA/FSA cards.
As a courtesy, we submit claims to your insurance provider, but clients are responsible for any copays, deductibles, coinsurance, or non-covered services.
Outstanding balances must be resolved before additional sessions are scheduled.
Payment plans are available upon request by contacting the Billing Department.
Clients can access invoices, statements, and payment records anytime through the client portal at https://jlfamilyservicesltd.clientsecure.me.
Confidentiality
Your privacy and confidentiality are protected by both federal and state law.
All communications and records are considered Protected Health Information (PHI) and are not released without your written authorization.
Exceptions include:
Threat of harm to self or others
Suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or dependent adult
A valid court order mandating disclosure
Client’s written authorization for release of information
Medical Records Requests
Clients may request access to their treatment records unless doing so would cause significant harm.
All requests must be made in writing using our Authorization for Release of Information form and require 30 days’ notice for processing.
Fees:
Standard Record Request: $300 per request
Treatment Summary of Care: $150 per request (recommended for third-party use)
Court or Legal Requests:
$190 per hour for written documentation
$300 per hour for case preparation
$75 per day for travel
Records will only be released once written authorization and payment have been received in full.
Telehealth Policy
Telehealth sessions are conducted using secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms.
Clients are responsible for maintaining privacy and a stable internet connection during sessions.
Teletherapy provides flexibility and accessibility, though occasional technical issues or reduced nonverbal cues may occur.
All confidentiality protections apply equally to telehealth services.
If you experience an emergency during a telehealth session, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Court & Legal Involvement
JL Family Services does not provide expert witness testimony, custody evaluations, or legal recommendations.
If participation is required by subpoena or court order, applicable fees outlined in the Medical Records section will apply.
Our clinicians function solely as treating therapists and not as legal advocates or representatives.
Social Media & Professional Boundaries
To maintain professional boundaries and protect your confidentiality, therapists:
Do not communicate with clients through social media
Do not accept friend requests
Do not discuss therapy-related matters in public settings
You are welcome to follow JL Family Services’ official social media accounts for general wellness content, but social platforms are not used for clinical communication.
Termination of Services
Therapy may conclude when treatment goals are achieved, progress has plateaued, or at your request.
If therapy is no longer beneficial, your therapist will discuss a closure plan and offer referrals if needed.
If a client misses sessions for three consecutive weeks without notice, the therapeutic relationship may be considered ended.
Privacy Policy
JL Family Services Ltd complies fully with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Your personal health information is always safeguarded and used only for purposes of treatment, payment, or healthcare operations.
You can review our full Notice of Privacy Practices here:
👉 www.jlfamilyservices.com/privacy-policy
Contact Information
JL Family Services Ltd
25 E. Washington St, Suite 1051
Chicago, IL 60602
📞 (312) 690-7293 Fax:312-896-9555
📧 intakes@jlfamilyservices.com
🌐 www.jlfamilyservices.com
