> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.guzmanbaker.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Frequently Asked Questions

> Answers to common questions new and prospective patients ask about scheduling, session costs, confidentiality, cancellations, and telehealth options.

Below you will find answers to the questions we hear most often from new and prospective patients. If your question is not covered here, please [send us a secure message](https://next.paubox.com/forms/Guzman%26BakerBehavioralHealthServices/form/a37939f4-d305-4882-8a22-3ea17c296b6c) and we will be happy to help.

## **General FAQs**

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Do you offer telehealth sessions?">
    Yes. We offer secure video sessions for patients who prefer to attend therapy from home. Telehealth sessions are conducted through a HIPAA-compliant video platform.

    To participate in telehealth, you will need:

    * A smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone
    * A private space where you can speak freely
    * A stable internet connection

    Most insurance plans that cover in-person therapy also cover telehealth. Confirm with your insurer before your first telehealth session.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Do you offer in-person or in-home sessions?">
    We offer secure online video sessions for patients and operate primarily as an online only telehealth therapy practice.

    Limited in-person appointments may be arranged on a case-by-case basis in approved community locations (such as private study rooms at local libraries), subject to clinician availability and clinical appropriateness. Please discuss this option directly with your provider.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What ages do you work with?">
    We treat clients ranging from age 6 through adulthood. Our team consists of providers with diverse specializations, allowing us to match you or your child with a therapist who has specific expertise in that developmental stage—whether it is early childhood, adolescence, or adulthood.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What is your cancellation policy?">
    Please review our [Cancelation and No Show Policy](https://app.mintlify.com/guzmanbakerbehavioralhealthservices/guzmanbakerbehavioralhealthservices/editor/main/~/caa725ff-ffe4-4376-a8cb-6e1723cfded4) for more information.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How long does therapy take?">
    The length of therapy varies depending on your goals, the challenges you are working through, and how you progress. There is no single answer that applies to everyone.

    Some patients work with a therapist for a few months to address a specific issue. Others engage in longer-term therapy to work through more complex patterns or ongoing mental health conditions.

    Your therapist will regularly review your progress with you. Together, you will decide when you have met your goals or when it makes sense to continue. You are always free to pause or end therapy when you feel ready.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What types of therapy do you offer?">
    Guzman & Baker Behavioral Health Services provides comprehensive, secure virtual psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and adults (ages 6 and older) residing in Kansas, Missouri, and Colorado. Our telehealth therapy sessions are designed to provide high-quality, compassionate mental health support from the convenience and comfort of your home.

    Our clinicians are trained in a broad range of evidence-based therapeutic modalities tailored to support your unique goals. These include:

    * [Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)](https://app.mintlify.com/guzmanbakerbehavioralhealthservices/guzmanbakerbehavioralhealthservices/editor/main/~/ef23dd87-e11f-46ae-aab0-f6b8ae5007e5)
    * [Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)](https://app.mintlify.com/guzmanbakerbehavioralhealthservices/guzmanbakerbehavioralhealthservices/editor/main/~/df4053ba-f778-4304-a907-8daf2a25dd48)
    * Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
    * [Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)](https://app.mintlify.com/guzmanbakerbehavioralhealthservices/guzmanbakerbehavioralhealthservices/editor/main/~/18c7b75f-633d-47aa-b45c-f1553667ed97)
    * [Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)](https://app.mintlify.com/guzmanbakerbehavioralhealthservices/guzmanbakerbehavioralhealthservices/editor/main/~/04996508-e5bd-4b8a-9e51-78b2453896a5)
    * Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    * [Person-Centered & Compassion-Focused Therapies](https://app.mintlify.com/guzmanbakerbehavioralhealthservices/guzmanbakerbehavioralhealthservices/editor/main/~/4c92aafa-362c-4afb-90ae-d668af59299b)

    Your therapist will tailor their approach to your specific needs and goals. If you have a preference for a particular type of therapy, let us know when you schedule your appointment.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do you determine which therapy approach is right for me or my child?">
    Treatment is never "one-size-fits-all." During your initial assessment, your clinician will collaborate with you to identify your specific needs and goals. Based on this, they will select the most effective, evidence-based interventions to address your presenting concerns.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Do you provide medication management?">
    No. At this time, Guzman & Baker Behavioral Health Services does not provide medication management. We focus exclusively on psychotherapy and behavioral health interventions.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## **Licensing, Credentials, and Privacy**

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="What are the qualifications and licenses held by your therapists ?">
    Our team consists of highly trained professionals holding specific state licensures. These primarily include **Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSW)** and **Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Workers (LSCSW)** or **Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)**. All clinicians maintain valid, unrestricted licenses in good standing with their respective state boards (such as the BSRB in Kansas or MDPR in Missouri).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What is the difference between the credentials of your staff?">
    An **LSCSW** (Kansas) or **LCSW** (Missouri) is a clinician who has completed thousands of hours of post-graduate supervised clinical experience and holds an independent clinical license. An **LMSW** is a master’s-level social worker who is qualified to provide clinical services and typically practices under the supervision of a clinical supervisor to ensure the highest quality of care. Both credentials require adherence to the strict ethical standards of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Will I receive a mental health diagnosis?">
    Yes. If you are using insurance benefits, medical necessity requirements mandate that we provide a valid mental health diagnosis (based on the DSM-5-TR) to your insurance carrier. This diagnosis will become part of your permanent medical record. If you prefer not to have a diagnosis on your record, please ask your clinician about our self-pay options.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Is my information confidential?">
    Yes. Everything you share with your therapist is protected by law. Guzman & Baker complies fully with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which governs how your health information is stored, used, and shared.

    There are narrow legal exceptions to confidentiality that your therapist will explain during your first session. These include situations where there is a credible risk of harm to yourself or others, or when required by a court order.

    Your therapist will never share your information with family members, employers, or other third parties without your written consent.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do you ensure privacy and confidentiality for online sessions?">
    We utilize **Jane**, a secure, HIPAA-compliant Electronic Medical Record system, to conduct all video sessions and store patient records. Our clinicians adhere to strict online security protocols, including the use of strong unique passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and secure, private environments during sessions to protect your confidentiality.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Is your practice HIPAA and ADA compliant?">
    Yes. We are fully HIPAA compliant regarding the protection of your health information and data security. Regarding ADA compliance, we strive to make our services accessible through our telehealth platform and culturally competent care practices. If you require specific accommodations for your session, please let us know during the intake process.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How can I request a copy of my medical records?">
    Your medical record is the property of Guzman & Baker Behavioral Health Services. You may request a copy of your records by submitting a formal release of information request to our administrative team. Please allow up to 30 days for processing.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Intake, Forms, and Onboarding

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="What information do I need to provide before my first session?">
    Before your first appointment, you must complete all new patient intake paperwork via our secure portal.

    <Note>
      **Important Note:** If this paperwork is not completed by the scheduled start time of your first session, you will be required to finish it *during* your session time, which will reduce the time available for therapy. You must also have a valid credit card on file prior to your first appointment.
    </Note>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Are there special forms or releases for adolescent clients, and how are parents involved in treatment?">
    Yes. For clients under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must complete the initial intake forms and consent to treatment. While our clinicians value the privacy of adolescent clients to build trust, parents are involved in treatment planning and goal setting. Specific releases of information may be required to coordinate care with schools or other medical providers.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="If my child is the client, how much information will be shared with me?">
    For adolescent clients, building a trusting relationship with the therapist is vital. While parents/guardians are involved in treatment planning and goal setting, specific details shared by the child during sessions may remain confidential unless there is a safety concern. Your clinician will discuss the specific limits of confidentiality with you and your child during the first session.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Emergency and After-Hours Support

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="What should I do if I have a mental health crisis outside of scheduled sessions?">
    Our practice operates as an outpatient clinic and **does not** provide 24-hour emergency crisis services. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, having thoughts of harming yourself or others, or need immediate assistance, please **call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)**, call 911, or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

    Please review [Crisis and Emergency Resources](https://app.mintlify.com/guzmanbakerbehavioralhealthservices/guzmanbakerbehavioralhealthservices/editor/main/~/bfb5fe03-7eea-49ae-ad51-3ad78bd4ee5e) for more information.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Does your practice provide after-hours or emergency support?">
    Our clinicians set their own schedules and are generally not available for on-demand crisis support outside of their appointment hours. Communication via [secure email messages](https://next.paubox.com/forms/Guzman%26BakerBehavioralHealthServices/form/a37939f4-d305-4882-8a22-3ea17c296b6c) or our portal is for administrative and scheduling purposes only and is not monitored 24/7.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## **Telehealth and Technology**

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="What technology or platforms do you use for video therapy, and how do I prepare for an online session?">
    We use the **Jane** telehealth platform, which requires no software download. To prepare, ensure you have a high-speed internet connection, a functioning webcam/microphone, and a private, quiet space where you will not be disturbed.

    Please review the [Patient Portal](https://app.mintlify.com/guzmanbakerbehavioralhealthservices/guzmanbakerbehavioralhealthservices/editor/main/~/3dd2ddf6-b0a4-4bfa-b293-768e344b2a76) resources or the [Appointment Questions](https://app.mintlify.com/guzmanbakerbehavioralhealthservices/guzmanbakerbehavioralhealthservices/editor/main/~/266b4283-5ce5-45ba-9d3e-19d525101061)resources for more information.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What accessibility accommodations are available for clients with disabilities?">
    Our telehealth platform is designed to be user-friendly. If you have specific vision, hearing, or technology-related accessibility needs, please inform our administrative team when you submit your request form so we can work with your clinician to determine the best accommodation plan.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I attend my telehealth session while traveling to another state?">
    Because medical and psychiatric licensing is strictly regulated on a state-by-state basis, we can only conduct appointments and prescribe medications when you are physically located in a state where we hold an active license (KS, MO, or CO).

    If you are traveling outside of these three states for work, college, or vacation, we legally cannot conduct a telehealth session with you — even if you are an established patient. If you have an upcoming trip, please let us know in advance.

    **Please note that not all providers are licensed to practice in all states. You are required to be physically located in a state that your provider is licensed to practice in.**

    <Note>
      *Note: If you experience a mental health emergency while traveling out-of-state, please seek immediate care at a local urgent care clinic or emergency department.*
    </Note>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Do you use Artificial Intelligence (AI) during sessions?">
    Our practice prioritizes your privacy. We do not use AI scribes or recording software during sessions unless we have obtained your **express written consent** beforehand. All technology used is strictly vetted for HIPAA compliance and is never a requirement for receiving care.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

<Note>
  If you have a question that is not answered here, please [send us a secure message](https://next.paubox.com/forms/Guzman%26BakerBehavioralHealthServices/form/a37939f4-d305-4882-8a22-3ea17c296b6c) and we will be happy to help.
</Note>