Cura Meadows Mental Health, PLLC is not a crisis or emergency service provider. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, including but not limited to thoughts of self-harm, harm to others, or a significant change in mental status, please take one of the following actions immediately:

1. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

2. Contact a local crisis hotline or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

3. Text “HELLO” to 741741 to connect with a trained counselor through the Crisis Text Line.

Important Note: Cura Meadows does not provide 24/7 on-call services. Any communications sent outside of scheduled appointments, including messages via email or phone, may not be immediately reviewed or responded to. If you require urgent support, please use the emergency resources listed above. By receiving services at Cura Meadows Mental Health, PLLC you acknowledge and understand that this practice does not serve as a substitute for emergency mental health care.

Policies & Procedures

Cura Meadows Mental Health, PLLC

1. Mission Statement and Philosophy

At Cura Meadows Mental Health, PLLC, our mission is to provide compassionate, holistic, and trauma-informed psychiatric care that is individualized to each patient’s unique needs. We integrate psychopharmacology and psychotherapy within a patient-centered, collaborative framework to support long-term healing and emotional well-being.

We prioritize:

• Building strong therapeutic alliances
• Addressing root causes of mental health concerns
• Empowering patients to achieve sustainable wellness

2. General Policies

2.1 Confidentiality and Privacy

Cura Meadows Mental Health, PLLC takes patient privacy seriously and complies with all applicable federal and state laws, including:

• HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act): All Protected Health Information (PHI) is safeguarded.
• 42 CFR Part 2: Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment records receive enhanced privacy protections.
• Psychotherapy notes are maintained separately from the medical record and are not released except as required by law.

Limits to Confidentiality

Confidentiality may be breached only under the following circumstances:

1. Risk of Harm: If a patient expresses intent to harm themselves or others
2. Abuse or Neglect: Suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or dependent adult
3. Medical Emergencies: When disclosure is necessary to prevent serious harm
4. Legal Requirement: When disclosure is required by valid subpoena or court order

2.2 Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Patient Rights

Patients have the right:

• To be treated with respect, dignity, and compassion
• To participate actively in treatment decisions
• To receive individualized, evidence-based care
• To voice concerns or complaints without retaliation
• To confidentiality as permitted by law

Patient Responsibilities

Patients are responsible for:

• Providing accurate and current health and financial information
• Attending scheduled appointments and following treatment recommendations
• Communicating changes in symptoms, concerns, or financial circumstances
• Treating providers and staff with courtesy and respect

3. Clinical Procedures

3.1 Informed Consent

• Written informed consent is required prior to initiating treatment.
• Informed consent includes:
  Explanation of the proposed treatment plan
  Discussion of potential benefits, risks, and side effects of medications and psychotherapy
  Review of alternative treatment options
  The right to decline or withdraw consent at any time

3.2 Pregnancy Policy

Policy Guidelines

1. Notification: Patients must notify their provider as soon as pregnancy is suspected or confirmed.
2. OB-GYN Approval: Psychotropic medications will not be continued during pregnancy without written approval from the patient’s OB-GYN.
3. Risk-Benefit Review:
   Risks of untreated psychiatric illness during pregnancy will be discussed
   Risks of continuing medications will be reviewed
   Non-medication options, including psychotherapy, will be prioritized when appropriate
4. Postpartum Care:
   Medications may be resumed postpartum with OB-GYN approval
   A coordinated postpartum treatment plan will be implemented

3.3 Medication Management

General Policy

Medications are prescribed following a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and monitored for effectiveness and safety.

Controlled Substances

Patients prescribed controlled substances must adhere to:

• Regular follow-up appointments
• Random urine drug screens or pill counts when requested
• Safe storage and responsible use

Non-Compliance

Failure to comply may result in:

• Refusal to refill prescriptions
• Discontinuation of controlled substances
• Discharge from Cura Meadows with appropriate referrals

Refill Requests

• Refills are provided during scheduled appointments only
• Requests require at least 7 business days’ notice
• Refills are not provided after hours, on weekends, or holidays

3.4 Psychotherapy Services

• Standard psychotherapy sessions are 60 minutes and may occur weekly, biweekly, or as clinically indicated
• 30-minute psychotherapy may be added to an existing appointment when appropriate
• Psychotherapy notes are confidential and stored separately

Therapy may conclude when:

• Treatment goals are met
• The patient requests termination
• A higher level of care is clinically indicated

3.5 Treatment of Substance Use Disorders (SUD)

• All SUD treatment records are protected under 42 CFR Part 2

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

MAT may be offered to eligible patients and requires:

• Adherence to treatment recommendations
• Periodic in-person visits (including for telehealth patients)
• Random drug screens or pill counts when clinically indicated

Referrals will be provided when a higher level of care is required.

4. Administrative Procedures

4.1 Appointment Scheduling and Cancellations

• Appointments are reserved exclusively for each patient
• Cancellations or rescheduling require 24 hours’ notice
• Missed appointments or late cancellations are charged the full session fee and cannot be billed to insurance

Exceptions may be made for documented emergencies at the provider’s discretion.

4.2 Fees, Payment, and Sliding Scale Policy

Fee Schedule

• Initial Psychiatric Evaluation (60 min): $300
• Follow-Up / Medication Refill (30 min): $150
• Psychotherapy (60 min): $150
• Psychotherapy (30 min): $75
• Bounced Check Fee: $10

Sliding Scale

Sliding scale fees may be offered based on stated financial hardship in good faith and may be re-evaluated periodically. Supporting documentation may be requested.

4.3 Record Retention and Requests

• Written requests are required for records
• Fees may apply for preparation and copies
• Sessions are not recorded
• Audio or video recording of sessions is prohibited without written consent from both provider and patient

5. Telehealth Policy

• Telehealth services are delivered via HIPAA-compliant platforms
• Patients must:
  Be in a private, secure location
  Confirm physical location at each session
  Be located in Texas, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, or Arizona
  Notify the provider immediately if their location changes

Telehealth is not appropriate for emergencies or crisis situations.

6. Social Media Policy

• Providers do not accept friend requests or engage with patients on social media
• No PHI will be shared on social platforms

7. Crisis Management

Cura Meadows does not provide 24/7 crisis services.

In an emergency:

• Call 911
• Visit the nearest emergency room
• Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

8. Provider Absence and Weather Emergencies

• Patients will be notified of provider absences when possible
• Alternative providers may be recommended
• Telehealth may be used during weather-related disruptions

9. Peer Collaboration and Supervision

• Cura Meadows participates in peer consultation while maintaining confidentiality
• In Texas, physician supervision is maintained for controlled substance prescribing as required by law

10. Discontinuation of Care

Care may be discontinued due to:

• Noncompliance with policies or treatment plans
• Nonpayment
• Inappropriate or threatening behavior
• Treatment needs beyond the scope of services

Referrals will be provided when appropriate.

11. Legal Matters, Court Involvement, and Documentation Requests

Cura Meadows Mental Health, PLLC provides psychiatric services for treatment purposes only. The provider acts solely as a treating clinician and does not serve as a forensic evaluator, expert witness, or legal consultant.

The provider does not voluntarily participate in legal proceedings, including:

• Court testimony
• Depositions
• Custody evaluations
• Disability determinations
• Fitness-for-duty opinions
• Legal opinions regarding fault or causation

The provider responds only to valid subpoenas or court orders, and responses are limited to factual treatment information.

Fees for Court-Ordered or Legally Compelled Services

Legally compelled services are non-clinical and not covered by insurance. Advance payment is required.

• Record review / preparation: $450/hour
• Written subpoena or court responses: $450/hour
• Depositions or court testimony (virtual or in-person): $600/hour
• Waiting or standby time: $600/hour
• Travel time (if applicable): $600/hour

Billing is in one-hour increments. A four-hour minimum retainer is required for testimony.

The provider reserves the right to decline requests that fall outside the scope of clinical treatment or that may create ethical conflicts, dual roles, or legal risk.

12. Disability Documentation Policy

Cura Meadows does not complete disability paperwork or make disability determinations.

Patients may request a general treatment letter confirming care for a $100 fee. Letters do not include disability determinations, functional assessments, or work limitations.

Medical records may be requested with a signed Release of Information (ROI). Documentation does not guarantee approval of benefits or accommodations.

13. Policy Amendments

Cura Meadows Mental Health, PLLC reserves the right to update these policies at any time. The most current version will be available on the clinic website or upon request. Continued use of services constitutes acceptance of updates.

Notice of Privacy Practices

Effective Date: December 16, 2024

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN ACCESS THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

I. Our Commitment to Protecting Your Health Information

Cura Meadows Mental Health, PLLC (referred to as “Cura Meadows”) is dedicated to protecting the privacy of your health information. We create a record of the care and services you receive to provide quality treatment and comply with legal requirements. This notice describes:

• How Cura Meadows may use and disclose your Protected Health Information (PHI).

• Your rights regarding your PHI.

• How to file a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated.

By law, Cura Meadows is required to:

• Protect your PHI and ensure its confidentiality.

• Provide you with this notice explaining our legal duties and privacy practices.

• Abide by the terms of this notice.

• Notify you promptly if a breach compromises the privacy or security of your PHI.

Cura Meadows reserves the right to update this notice. Any changes will apply to all existing PHI and will be made available in our office, on our website, and upon request.

II. How Cura Meadows May Use and Disclose Your PHI

Cura Meadows may use and disclose your PHI without your written authorization in the following ways:

1. For Treatment, Payment, and Health Care Operations

• Treatment: Cura Meadows may use your PHI to coordinate your care or consult with other healthcare providers. Example: Sharing your information with a specialist for diagnosis or treatment.

• Payment: Cura Meadows may use your PHI to bill and collect payment for services rendered.

Example: Submitting information to your insurance provider.

• Health Care Operations: Cura Meadows may use your PHI for practice management, such as quality improvement or staff training.

2. Other Permitted Uses and Disclosures

Cura Meadows may use or disclose your PHI for the following purposes:

• Legal and Administrative Proceedings: Complying with court orders or subpoenas.

• Public Health and Safety: Reporting abuse, neglect, or serious threats to health or safety.

• Law Enforcement and Government Functions: Complying with requests related to national security, public health, or law enforcement investigations.

• Appointment Reminders and Health-Related Services: Contacting you about appointments or informing you of treatment alternatives or benefits.

III. Uses and Disclosures Requiring Your Authorization

Certain uses and disclosures of your PHI require your written consent, including:

1. Psychotherapy Notes: These are only disclosed with your explicit consent, except in specific circumstances such as legal defense or compliance with the law.

2. Marketing and Sale of PHI: Cura Meadows does not sell PHI or use it for marketing purposes. You may revoke your authorization at any time in writing, except when Cura Meadows has already acted based on your authorization.

IV. Your Rights Regarding Your PHI

You have the following rights:

1. Right to Access and Copies

You may request an electronic or paper copy of your PHI (excluding psychotherapy notes). Cura Meadows will provide your records within 30 days of a written request and may charge a reasonable, cost-based fee.

2. Right to Amend

You may request corrections to your PHI if it is incomplete or inaccurate. Cura Meadows may deny the request but will provide an explanation in writing.

3. Right to Request Restrictions

You may request limitations on the use or disclosure of your PHI. While Cura Meadows is not required to agree, reasonable requests will be considered.

4. Right to Confidential Communications

You may request that Cura Meadows contact you in specific ways (e.g., via mail or phone) or at a specific location.

5. Right to an Accounting of Disclosures

You may request a list of disclosures made without your authorization for purposes other than treatment, payment, or health care operations. Cura Meadows will respond within 60 days.

6. Right to Receive a Copy of this Notice

You may request a paper or electronic copy of this notice at any time, even if you have agreed to receive it electronically.

V. Filing a Complaint

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with Cura Meadows or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

To file a complaint with Cura Meadows, contact:

Cura Meadows Mental Health, PLLC

9801 Westheimer Rd, Ste 300, Houston, TX 77042

Phone: 832-402-

Email/Text: Client Portal

To file a complaint with HHS, visit www.hhs.gov/hipaa/filing-a-complaint or contact:

Office for Civil Rights

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

You will not face retaliation for filing a complaint.

VI. Acknowledgment of Receipt of Privacy Notice

Under HIPAA, you have certain rights regarding the use and disclosure of your PHI. 

Accessibility

This notice is provided at the time of your first visit, is always available in our office and our website. You may request a copy at any time.