Client Rights and Required Disclosure Information

Your wellbeing and trust are central to the work we do together. As a licensed professional counseling practice in Texas, we are committed to providing care that is ethical, transparent, and respectful of your rights as a client.

The information below outlines your rights, our professional responsibilities, and how we protect your privacy and confidentiality. These disclosures are required by Texas law and professional standards, but more importantly, they are intended to empower you as an informed participant in your care.

We believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is built on clarity, consent, and mutual respect. This section is designed to help you understand what to expect from our work together and to ensure you feel supported, informed, and protected throughout your counseling journey.

Good Faith Estimate (Private Pay)

As a private-pay practice, we believe in transparency around the cost of services.

Under federal law, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) that explains the expected cost of health care services when you are not using insurance.

Your Rights

  • You may request a Good Faith Estimate at any time, including before scheduling services.

  • When services are scheduled:

    • 3 or more business days in advance: you will receive a written GFE within 1 business day.

    • 10 or more business days in advance: you will receive a written GFE within 3 business days.

  • If requested before scheduling, a written GFE will be provided within 3 business days.

Disputing a Bill

If you receive a bill that is $400 or more above the Good Faith Estimate provided by this practice, you have the right to dispute the bill.

Please save a copy of your Good Faith Estimate and your bill for your records.

Questions

For more information about your rights under the No Surprises Act or the dispute process, visit
www.cms.gov/nosurprises/consumers, email FederalPPDRQuestions@cms.hhs.gov, or call 1-800-985-3059.

Notice of Privacy Policies (HIPAA)

Abdi Patten, PLLC
📧 info@abdipatten.com

This Notice of Privacy Practices describes how protected health information about you may be used and disclosed, and outlines your rights regarding that information.

A full Notice of Privacy Practices is provided to all new clients as part of the intake and informed consent process and is available upon request at any time.

Use and Disclosure of Health Information

Abdi Patten Therapy may use or disclose your protected health information for purposes permitted by law, including but not limited to: treatment, scheduling, payment (if applicable), practice operations, safety, legal requirements, health oversight, and continuity of care.

Except as permitted or required by law, your health information will not be used or disclosed without your written authorization. You may revoke an authorization in writing at any time.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures of your information

  • Request confidential communications

  • Inspect and obtain a copy of your health records

  • Request amendments to your records

  • Receive an accounting of certain disclosures

  • Receive a paper or electronic copy of this Notice

Changes to This Notice

We reserve the right to update this Notice of Privacy Practices at any time. Any changes will apply to all protected health information maintained by this practice. The most current version will always be available on our website and within client paperwork.

Complaints

If you have concerns about this Notice or how your information is handled, you may contact the Privacy Officer at:

Abdi Patten Therapy
📧 info@abdipatten.com

You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights. You will not be penalized for filing a complaint.

Records Requests

Record Retention

Client records are retained in accordance with Texas law:

  • Adults: 7 years from the date of last service

  • Minors: 5 years after the client reaches age 18

How to Request Records

Texas law requires that requests for mental health records be submitted in writing. Each clinician is the legal custodian of their own client records.

To request records, please submit a written request by email or mail to:
📧 info@abdipatten.com

Abdi Patten Therapy
4324 Mapleshade Ln., Suite 264
Plano, TX 75093

Your request must include:

  • A clear description of the records requested

  • The name and contact information of the person or entity receiving the records

If records are requested for legal or litigation purposes, please include:

  • Case title

  • Cause number

  • Court where the matter is pending

If a Business Records Affidavit is required, please indicate this in your request.

Fees

Administrative fees may be charged for the preparation and release of records or affidavits, as permitted by law. Payment is required prior to release when applicable.

Authorization Requirements

Requests for couples counseling records, family therapy records, or records of another adult require:

  • A valid court order, or

  • A written authorization signed by the individual whose records are requested

These requirements are governed by federal and Texas law.

License & Business Concerns

License or Ethical Concerns

If you believe a clinician has violated licensing regulations or ethical standards, you may contact the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council:

Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council
1801 Congress Ave., Ste. 7.300
Austin, TX 78701
📞 (512) 305-7700
📞 (800) 821-3205 (24-hour complaints)
🌐 https://bhec.texas.gov/contact-us/

Business or Consumer Concerns

If you believe you have experienced fraudulent business practices, you may file a consumer complaint with the Texas Attorney General’s Office:

🌐 https://consumerprotection.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumercomplaintportal/s/