Group Therapy Policy & Consent

This notice describes client rights, disclosures, and policies related to Rally Point Group Counseling/Therapy Services. Please read it carefully. Rally Point may, at any time, add, change, or rescind any Policy or Procedure described in this document in its sole and absolute discretion, without notice.

This document acts in addition to all policy, client rights, or privacy information detailed in Rally Point’s “Counseling Policy & Client Rights” and “Notice of Privacy Practices” Documents. Feel free to discuss any item within this document with your counselor. 

Please read and indicate that you have reviewed this information and agree to it by filling in the checkbox at the end of this document.


General Information

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 maintain 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

Protecting your confidentiality is important at Rally Point - and it is protected by federal and state 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

The fee for each group therapy session is determined on a group-by-group basis, with charges applied per session. By enrolling in a group therapy program, you are committing to pay for your reserved place in the entire length of the group’s scheduled meetings. This commitment means you are responsible for the full cost of all scheduled sessions, regardless of attendance, as your place in the group is reserved specifically for you. Please note that arriving late to a group session may result in a reduced session time, as the group will start promptly as scheduled.

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.

Activities Outside the Office Setting

Clients who choose to participate in group therapy activities outside the Rally Point Counseling office setting, including but not limited to outdoor or offsite group sessions, recognize and accept the conditions unique to this form of therapy. This may include environments where complete confidentiality cannot be guaranteed, and clients understand that there is a possibility that individuals outside the group may overhear portions of the discussion.

Clients further acknowledge that these activities may involve physical exertion, which could include walking, standing, and other moderate cardiovascular activity. By choosing to participate, clients affirm that they are in good physical health, free from conditions or limitations that would impair their ability to engage in such activities.

Participation in these sessions is entirely voluntary and is not a mandatory component of the services provided by Rally Point Counseling. By consenting to participate, clients release Rally Point Counseling from any and all claims, demands, and/or causes of action that could arise as a result of their voluntary participation. Clients have the right to opt-out or discontinue their participation in these sessions at any time and may revoke their consent for this type of therapy at any point without consequence to their ongoing counseling relationship.

Emergencies

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 July 1st, 2024

For Questions Contact:

Rally Point - hello@rallypointcounseling.com