General Information (Done)

Group Therapy is a unique kind of therapy where a group of people who are likely experiencing similar challenges in the period of their lives get together to share their difficulties. Each group is led by a Rally Point Counselor (Facilitator), and is designed to be a safe environment where each participant will feel respected and valued.

At Rally Point, we structure groups to include the following elements:

• A safe environment in which members feel respected and valued

• An understanding of group goals and group norms

• Investment by both facilitator(s) (counselors/therapists) and group members to produce a consistent group experience

Conduct, Confidentiality, & Relationships

A safe group environment is created and maintained by both the facilitator(s) of a group and its members.

• Group facilitator(s) are bound by law (detailed in Rally Point’s “Notice of Privacy Practices” document) to maintain confidentiality.

• Group members are bound by honor to keep what is said in the group in the group.

All members of the group will be asked to agree to a high level of confidentiality in the group sessions. This means that each participant agrees not to share any other group member’s identifying and personal information with others, however this confidentiality cannot be guaranteed on behalf of other group members, and you agree that by accepting the terms of this document, you understand this risk.

We recognize that groups members may want to share what they learn in group with family and friends outside of group. Sharing one’s own experience in terms of skills learned and realizations made is always acceptable, as long as all information regarding other group members is kept private and confidential.

For this reason, the following rules apply to all Rally Point Groups;

1. Discussions made within the group session are not allowed to be discussed outside with anyone and should maintain the practice of confidentiality in order to build trust with fellow members;

2. Members should maintain positivity and not induce disrespect among others;

3. Members should not be drunk, nor they are allowed to take alcohol or take drugs before or after therapy;

4. Members will aintain conduct that brings respect to fellow members' thoughts, emotions, or behavior.

5. Members will refrain from having or beginning a relationship with a fellow member other than therapeutic while engaged in the session.

Privacy (Done)

Protecting your confidentiality is important at Rally Point - and it is protected by federal HIPAA and Illinois Mental Health Law. This means that your information and the things you discuss in group are private and are not allowed to be shared by the group Facilitator with anyone else without your prior written consent, except where permitted by law. As a part of your intake paperwork, you will be given a copy of Rally Point’s Notice of Privacy Practice for Counseling Services and this document contains full details about how your privacy is managed and exceptions to confidentiality in your relationship with Rally Point.

Below is a summary of some of these exceptions or limitations to confidentiality that you should be aware of. 

• Situations where you pose a threat of serious harm to yourself or someone else

• Suspected abuse or neglect of a minor, elder, or vulnerable adult

• Court-ordered situations

In order to provide the best treatment for you, occasionally Facilitators may choose to consult with other professionals, including (but not limited to) other Rally Point counselors. In these contexts, every effort will be made to protect your confidentiality. 

Fees & Billing (Done)

The fee for each group therapy session is $25 per person.

All billing and documentation details can be found within our secure client portal. Rally Point accepts cash, check, or credit card, and payment is expected at the time of appointment. If you prefer, automatic billing can be set up on the day of your choosing. Inside the portal, you can manage statements, add billing details, and see documentation related to your experience with Rally Point.

For more information billing as it relates to counseling services, please read Rally Point’s “Counseling Policy & Client Rights” Document.

Late Cancellations and No-Shows (Done)

You are financially responsible for the time you have reserved with a counselor. This is necessary because a time commitment is made to you and is held exclusively for you. Should you arrive late to a group session, you may lose some of your scheduled session time. If you need to cancel a session, you must do so at least 24 hours in advance of the group session start time, or you will be charged a late cancellation fee. Fees for late cancellations and no-shows are $25 for the first and second offense, $100 for three or more.

Emergencies (Done)

Rally Point Counselors provide support and assistance during difficult moments and seasons, but do not specialize in emergency or crisis situations. Rally Point Counselors are not on call, and will not respond to emails, calls, or electronic communication immediately.

If you or someone you love is experiencing an emergency, please call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

If you struggle with suicidal ideation or are in the midst of other non-life-threatening situations, you can call 1-800-273-8255 (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) at any time to talk to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area, or text HOME to 741741 for free, 24/7 crisis counseling (Crisis Text Line). If you are located outside the United States, call your local emergency line immediately.

Acknowledgment

Acknowledging this document means you

• have read, understand, and agree to the above disclosures and policies;

• have received and read the Notice of Privacy Practices, which explains your rights to access your personal health information and how/when/with whom it may be shared;

• understand the differences between individual and group counseling as they relate to confidentiality and relationships

• have had a chance to ask questions about anything in this document that is unclear;

• give consent to Rally Point counselors to provide assessment, treatment, and/or other services.

Effective Date Of This Document

This document and the terms within went into effect on June 29th, 2023

For Questions Contact:

Rally Point - hello@rallypointcounseling.com