Court Action and Legal Fee Policy
We understand that legal matters sometimes require the involvement of our therapists, but we strongly discourage clients from subpoenaing or requesting records for litigation purposes. It’s important to note that covering the testimony fee does not guarantee that the therapist’s testimony will exclusively support your case. Our therapists can only testify to the facts of the case and, if qualified by the court, offer their professional opinion. Such requests can damage the trust established in the counseling relationship, particularly if the client is still receiving therapy. In cases where a therapist is subpoenaed to testify or provide records for a child client, it can negatively impact the therapeutic relationship, potentially jeopardizing ongoing services.
If a therapist is to receive a subpoena, the attorney or office staff should contact the therapist’s office to arrange a suitable time for the subpoena to be served during office hours. A minimum of 72 business hours’ notice is required for any court appearance to ensure proper scheduling adjustments can be made for the therapist’s clients. Please note that if a subpoena or notice to meet with attorney(s) is received with less than 72 business hours’ notice, an additional $250 express charge will apply.
Regarding court actions, the following fees are applicable:
- Preparation Time (including submission of records): $170/hour (billed in 15-minute increments)
- Phone calls: $170/hour (billed in 15-minute increments)
- Depositions: $170/hour
- Time required for Giving Testimony: $170/hour
- Time Away from the office due to Depositions or Testimony: $170/hour
- All attorney fees and costs incurred by the therapist as a result of the legal action.
- Filing documents with the court: $100
All costs will be invoiced following the court appearance. If a therapist is subpoenaed, and the case is reset with less than 72 business hours’ notice before the scheduled subpoena, trial, and/or testimony is not provided, the client will be charged an additional $300 (in addition to the original cost for having to appear in court).
All fees mentioned above will double if the therapist was previously scheduled to be out of town at the time of the court appearance.
For a printable Court Action and Legal Fee Schedule document, click here.
Letter Writing Fee Policy
If you require a letter to be written by a therapist, the fee is $120 per hour, billed in 15-minute increments. A $120 advance payment is required. If the therapist completes the letter in less time, a refund will be provided based on the actual time required.
Please note that mental health professionals are not qualified to complete general health forms for long-term disability. Our expertise is primarily focused on mental health.
Medical Records Access Act
The Medical Records Access Act, Public Act 47 of 2004, MCL section 333.26269 (the Act) allows health care providers, health facilities, or medical records companies to charge a fee when a patient or their authorized representative requests a copy of their medical record. For more information, you can access the official STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Medical Records Access Act document here. See the complete Medical Records Access Act at: https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-333-26269