The Freedom Clinic Psychology logoThe Freedom Clinic
Psychology, P.C.
Client Bill of Rights

Your rights as a therapy client in California.

Therapy works best when you know what you're entitled to. This Bill of Rights outlines the protections every client of The Freedom Clinic receives, grounded in California law, the California Board of Psychology, and federal regulations including HIPAA and the No Surprises Act.

  1. 01

    Respectful, non-discriminatory care

    You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to receive care free from discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, immigration status, or source of payment.

  2. 02

    Confidentiality of what you share

    What you tell your therapist is confidential and protected under California law (the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act) and federal law (HIPAA). There are limited, legally required exceptions — for example, if there is a serious and imminent risk of harm to yourself or others, suspected abuse of a child or dependent adult, or a court order. Your therapist will discuss these limits with you at the start of care.

  3. 03

    Informed consent

    You have the right to understand the nature of treatment, its risks and benefits, reasonable alternatives, and the likely outcomes before you agree to begin. You may withdraw your consent to treatment at any time, for any reason, without penalty.

  4. 04

    A clinician's credentials, clearly stated

    You have the right to know your therapist's name, license type and number, education, training, and treatment approach. Our clinicians' license numbers are listed on the Team page and at the bottom of every page of this site.

  5. 05

    Participation in your treatment plan

    You have the right to take part in developing your treatment plan, to understand its goals, and to request changes. You may ask questions at any point and expect honest, plain-language answers.

  6. 06

    Privacy and access to your records

    You may request a copy of your treatment records in writing. Under California law, psychotherapists may withhold access to psychotherapy notes when they judge that review would be detrimental to your care, but you are still entitled to a summary and to the factual information in your record. A reasonable fee may apply for copies.

  7. 07

    Clear fees and a Good Faith Estimate

    You have the right to know the cost of care before it begins. If you are uninsured or self-paying, you are entitled under the No Surprises Act to a Good Faith Estimate of expected charges. Cancellation policies and any out-of-pocket costs will be explained up front.

  8. 08

    Freedom from exploitation

    California law prohibits sexual or romantic contact between a therapist and a client, and between a therapist and a former client for at least two years after treatment ends (and strongly discourages it thereafter). You have the right to a relationship with your therapist that is strictly professional.

  9. 09

    A second opinion or referral

    You have the right to request a referral to another provider, a second opinion, or a transfer of your care. If we are not the right fit, we will help you connect with a clinician or program that is.

  10. 10

    To bring a support person or interpreter

    You may bring a trusted support person to sessions when clinically appropriate, and you have the right to language interpretation services. Please ask — we will arrange what we can.

Questions about your rights?

We're glad to walk through any of this with you — no question is too small.

Contact the clinic