Client Policies
Clear expectations are part of respectful care.
At All Things New Clinical Services, we believe you should understand how therapy works before your first appointment. This page provides a plain-language overview of our primary client policies, including telehealth safety, privacy, attendance, documentation requests, and technology use.
Complete policies and consent forms are provided through our secure client portal. Please read them carefully and ask about anything that is unclear before signing. If this summary differs from a current signed agreement or legal notice, the signed agreement or legal notice controls.
Telehealth location and clinician licensure
Each ATNC clinician may provide therapy only when the client is physically located in a jurisdiction where that clinician is licensed or otherwise legally authorized to practice.
Most ATNC clinicians provide telehealth to adults physically located in Maryland. Dr. Demarest “Dee-Dee” Crawl is licensed in Maryland and Washington, DC and may provide telehealth to adults physically located in either jurisdiction.
Your permanent address does not determine whether the appointment may proceed. Your physical location at the time of the session determines which jurisdiction’s licensing requirements apply.
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The clinician may confirm your current physical location at the beginning of each session.
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The clinician may confirm a call-back number, who can hear the session, and emergency contact information when clinically appropriate.
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If you will be outside Maryland or Washington, DC, contact the office before the appointment. The clinician may not be legally permitted to continue, and the cancellation policy may apply.
ATNC accepts Maryland Medicaid/Carelon where the assigned clinician is participating. ATNC does not accept DC Medicaid.
Creating a safe and private session environment
Please attend therapy from a private, safe, and stationary location where you can participate without interruptions.
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Use a private room and headphones when possible.
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Tell household members that you should not be disturbed.
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Avoid multitasking, working, caregiving, or other activities during the session.
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Do not use alcohol or nonprescribed substances during the appointment.
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Tell the clinician if another person is present or can hear the conversation.
ATNC sessions are individual. No non-client should participate unless the clinician has agreed in advance and any required authorization or consent has been completed.
Therapy while driving is prohibited
ATNC cannot provide therapy while a client is driving, operating, or controlling a moving vehicle. This includes video, speakerphone, Bluetooth, or another hands-free device.
If you join while driving or begin driving during the appointment, the clinician will end the session for safety. The missed-appointment or late-cancellation fee may apply.
A parked vehicle may be used when it is safely and legally parked, the client is not operating it, privacy is adequate, and the clinician determines that the setting is clinically appropriate.
Attendance and cancellations
Please provide at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Appointments cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice and missed appointments are subject to a $120 fee. Insurance generally does not pay this fee. The signed service agreement contains the complete policy and any applicable exceptions.
Privacy and confidentiality
Therapy is private and confidential. Confidentiality also has legal and ethical limitations. Information may be disclosed when permitted or required by law, including certain situations involving an immediate or serious safety concern, suspected abuse or neglect, a valid legal requirement, treatment, payment, health care operations, insurance review, or payment processing.
When insurance is used, ATNC may provide information needed to process a claim. This may include identifying information, dates of service, billing codes, diagnoses, treatment information, or other information required by the plan.
The Notice of Privacy Practices explains your privacy rights and how protected health information may be used or disclosed.
Technology and AI-assisted documentation
Some ATNC clinicians may use secure AI-assisted tools within SimplePractice to help organize clinical information and prepare draft documentation. These tools do not provide therapy, make independent diagnoses, select treatment, make decisions about care, or replace the clinician’s professional judgment.
The clinician is responsible for reviewing, correcting, and approving documentation before it becomes part of the record.
If a tool processes session audio or creates a transcript, it will be used only after the required separate consent has been obtained. Any person whose voice may be processed must consent. Clients may decline or later withdraw consent for AI-assisted transcription without losing access to therapy.
Technology and AI-assisted documentation
Some ATNC clinicians may use secure AI-assisted tools within SimplePractice to help organize clinical information and prepare draft documentation. These tools do not provide therapy, make independent diagnoses, select treatment, make decisions about care, or replace the clinician’s professional judgment.
The clinician is responsible for reviewing, correcting, and approving documentation before it becomes part of the record.
If a tool processes session audio or creates a transcript, it will be used only after the required separate consent has been obtained. Any person whose voice may be processed must consent. Clients may decline or later withdraw consent for AI-assisted transcription without losing access to therapy.
Letters, forms, and documentation requests
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ATNC does not accept new clients solely to obtain court, custody, disability, fitness-for-duty, workers’ compensation, academic, legal, or other third-party documentation.
Established clients may request routine clinical letters, accommodation documentation, or forms. Completion is not guaranteed and depends on sufficient information, clinical appropriateness, the clinician’s professional role, and applicable processing time and fees. Treatment does not guarantee support for a requested diagnosis, legal position, disability claim, accommodation, or outcome.
Court involvement and legal proceedings
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ATNC clinicians provide treatment, not forensic evaluations or litigation support. A treating clinician cannot act as an advocate for one side of a dispute or guarantee that testimony will support a client’s position.
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Court appearances, depositions, attorney consultations, record preparation, and travel are not included in therapy fees.
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A separate fee schedule, written agreement, and advance retainer may be required.
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The clinician may obtain legal advice before responding to a subpoena or information request.
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Confidential information will be released only as authorized or legally required.
The therapist’s role
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Therapy is collaborative. The therapist may help you understand patterns and emotions, provide clinical feedback, teach skills, explore options and possible consequences, support choices consistent with your goals and values, and recommend additional services when appropriate.
You remain the expert on your life. The therapist’s role is to help you build clarity, confidence, and capacity—not to control your decisions or impose personal values.
Emergencies and urgent needs
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ATNC is an outpatient therapy practice and is not an emergency or crisis-response service. Website messages, email, voicemail, and portal messages are not monitored continuously. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, contact emergency services, go to the nearest emergency department, or contact an appropriate local crisis service.