Informed Consent

1. Purpose of This Informed Consent

This Informed Consent is intended to help you understand the services offered by Astral Perceptions, the general structure of the client-provider relationship, and the responsibilities of both the client and the provider. By beginning services, you acknowledge that you have reviewed this information and understand the general nature of the support being provided.

2. Nature of Services

Astral Perceptions may offer counseling, coaching, mindfulness-based support, psychoeducation, and other wellness-oriented services depending on the provider, service selected, and your location. Services are individualized and may include discussion of emotional concerns, life transitions, relationship challenges, stress, coping skills, self-awareness, or personal development goals.

Counseling and coaching are not the same thing. Clinical counseling is a mental health service that may involve assessment, treatment planning, and therapeutic interventions. Coaching is not mental health treatment and does not diagnose or treat mental health conditions. Coaching generally focuses on goals, growth, mindset, habits, and future-oriented change.

3. Potential Benefits and Risks

Participating in counseling, coaching, or wellness services can be helpful, but it can also feel uncomfortable at times. You may experience insight, relief, clarity, better coping skills, improved communication, and greater self-understanding. You may also experience temporary emotional discomfort when discussing difficult experiences, habits, relationships, or stressors.

Because growth is not always neat or convenient — annoying, but true — there are no guarantees regarding specific outcomes. Progress depends on many factors, including your goals, consistency, circumstances, and readiness for change.

4. Client Rights and Responsibilities

As a client, you have the right to:

• Be treated with dignity, respect, and professionalism.
• Ask questions about services, methods, and expectations.
• Receive information in a way that is clear and understandable.
• Discuss concerns about the process at any time.
• Discontinue services, subject to any applicable policies or financial responsibilities.

As a client, you are responsible for:

• Providing accurate and current information to the best of your ability.
• Participating honestly and respectfully in the service process.
• Attending sessions on time and communicating when rescheduling is needed.
• Following emergency procedures when urgent or crisis-level support is needed.
• Understanding that meaningful change often requires time, effort, and consistency.

5. Confidentiality

Your privacy is important. Information shared during services is generally kept confidential in accordance with applicable law, ethical standards, and practice requirements. However, confidentiality is not absolute.

Information may be disclosed without your consent when required or permitted by law, including but not limited to situations involving:

• Risk of serious harm to yourself or another person.
• Suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a child, elder, or dependent adult.
• A valid court order, subpoena, or other legal requirement.
• Professional consultation, supervision, billing, or operational needs as permitted by law.

Additional details about privacy practices, use of information, and protected health information may be available in our Privacy Policy and HIPAA-related notices, where applicable.

6. Electronic Communication and Telehealth

Some services may be provided through phone, video, email, portal messaging, or other electronic methods. While reasonable steps are taken to protect privacy, no electronic system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

By participating in telehealth or electronic communication, you acknowledge that there may be risks related to technology failures, interruptions, unauthorized access, or limitations in reading nonverbal communication.

You are responsible for being in an appropriate private location during telehealth sessions and for using a secure internet connection whenever possible.

7. Emergencies and Crisis Situations

Astral Perceptions is not a crisis service, emergency room, or substitute for emergency medical care. If you are in immediate danger, having thoughts of harming yourself or someone else, or experiencing a mental health crisis, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

You may also call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the United States.

8. Scope of Service and Fit

Not every service is the right fit for every person or every concern. If it becomes clear that your needs fall outside the scope of the service being provided, a referral to a more appropriate provider, specialist, or level of care may be recommended.

Beginning services does not guarantee that ongoing services will continue indefinitely. Recommendations may change based on clinical judgment, client needs, service availability, provider scope, safety concerns, licensing restrictions, or location.

9. Financial Responsibility

If services involve fees, you are responsible for understanding the applicable rates, payment expectations, cancellation terms, and any policies regarding late arrivals, missed appointments, or outstanding balances. Insurance coverage, reimbursement, or out-of-network benefits are not guaranteed unless specifically confirmed.

Separate intake, practice, or scheduling materials may provide additional details regarding fees and payment procedures.

10. Consent to Participate

By engaging in services with Astral Perceptions, you acknowledge that you have had the opportunity to review this Informed Consent, ask questions, and receive clarification as needed. You understand the general nature of the services being provided, the limits of confidentiality, the potential risks and benefits, and your rights and responsibilities as a client.

Your continued participation in services constitutes your informed and voluntary agreement to proceed.