Terms & Conditions – Different Approach

Agreement to Terms

By scheduling an appointment, receiving services, or using our website, you agree to these Terms & Conditions. Please read them carefully. If you do not agree with these terms, please do not use our services.

About Our Practice

Different Approach NP in Psychiatry is owned and operated by James Dusenbury, a licensed Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in New York State. We provide comprehensive medication management and individual psychotherapy services for anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, and related mental health conditions.

Practice Locations:

• New York City: 307 West 38th Street, Suite 1642, New York, NY 10018
• Yonkers: [Second location address]

Services Provided

Scope of Services

We provide:

• Psychiatric evaluations and consultations
• Medication management and monitoring
• Individual psychotherapy
• Treatment for anxiety, depression, OCD, and ADHD
• Crisis intervention during business hours

What We Don’t Provide

• 24/7 emergency services
• Inpatient or residential treatment
• Court-ordered evaluations
• Disability evaluations
• Services outside our scope of practice

Appointment Policies

Scheduling

• Appointments can be scheduled by calling Bibiana Cordero at (917) 688-2446 (Monday-Friday, 10 AM – 2 PM) or through our online booking system
• We make every effort to accommodate your preferred times
• Appointment confirmations will be sent via your preferred communication method

Attendance and Cancellations

• 24-Hour Notice Required: Please provide at least 24 hours notice for cancellations
• Late Cancellation Fee: Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice may be charged a fee
• No-Show Policy: Failure to attend or cancel your appointment may result in a full session fee
• Repeated No-Shows: May result in discharge from the practice

Lateness

• Please arrive on time for your scheduled appointment
• If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, we may need to reschedule your appointment
• Late arrivals may result in shortened sessions without fee reduction

Payment and Billing Policies

Fees and Payment

• Payment is due at the time of service unless other arrangements have been made
• We accept cash, check, and major credit cards
• Payment plans may be available for certain circumstances

Insurance

• We work with most major insurance plans
• Bibiana Cordero will verify your benefits and handle prior authorizations
• You remain responsible for copays, deductibles, and any services not covered by insurance
• Changes in insurance coverage must be reported immediately

Outstanding Balances

• Accounts past due may be subject to collection procedures
• Outstanding balances may result in suspension of services
• You are responsible for any collection costs incurred

Professional Relationship and Boundaries

Therapeutic Relationship

• Our relationship is professional and therapeutic in nature
• Dual relationships (business, personal, or social) are not appropriate and may result in termination of services
• Gift-giving should be limited to items of minimal value

Communication

• Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 AM – 2 PM for administrative matters
• Non-Emergency Contact: Email and phone messages will be returned within 24-48 hours during business days
• Secure Communication: Sensitive health information will only be discussed through secure channels

Emergency Situations

• Crisis Services: For psychiatric emergencies, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room
• After-Hours: We do not provide 24/7 coverage
• Crisis Resources: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline available 24/7

Treatment Policies

Informed Consent

• You will be provided with information about your treatment options, risks, and benefits
• Your consent is required before beginning any treatment
• You have the right to refuse or discontinue treatment at any time

Medication Management

• Regular appointments are required for all patients receiving medication management
• Follow-up appointments are essential for monitoring progress and side effects
• Prescriptions will not be provided without appropriate clinical appointments

Confidentiality

• Your privacy is protected under HIPAA and New York State law
• Information may only be shared with your written consent or as required by law
• See our Privacy Policy for detailed information about how we protect your health information

Website Terms

Use of Website

• Our website is for informational purposes only
• Website content does not constitute medical advice
• Do not use the website for emergency communications

Online Scheduling

• Online appointment scheduling is provided for your convenience
• Confirmation of appointments will be provided separately
• Technical issues with online scheduling should be reported immediately

Intellectual Property

• All website content is the property of Different Approach NP in Psychiatry
• Content may not be reproduced without written permission

Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Your Rights

• Receive respectful, culturally competent care
• Participate in treatment planning decisions
• Access your medical records as permitted by law
• File complaints about your care
• Receive care without discrimination

Your Responsibilities

• Provide accurate and complete health information
• Follow agreed-upon treatment plans
• Attend scheduled appointments or provide appropriate notice
• Pay for services as agreed
• Treat staff and other patients respectfully

LGBTQ+ Affirming Care

As a gay-identified practice, we are committed to providing affirming, culturally competent care to LGBTQ+ individuals. We maintain a discrimination-free environment and respect all aspects of your identity.

Termination of Services

Services may be terminated by either party with appropriate notice:

By the Patient

• You may discontinue services at any time
• We recommend discussing termination during a scheduled appointment when possible

By the Practice

Services may be terminated for:

• Non-compliance with treatment recommendations
• Failure to pay for services
• Threatening or inappropriate behavior
• Violation of practice policies

When services are terminated, we will:

• Provide appropriate notice when clinically safe
• Assist with referrals to other providers
• Provide records transfer as requested and appropriate

Limitation of Liability

Our liability is limited to the professional services we provide. We are not responsible for outcomes beyond our direct control or for your actions outside of our therapeutic relationship.

Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms & Conditions as needed. Significant changes will be communicated to active patients, and updated terms will be posted on our website with the effective date.

Governing Law

These terms are governed by New York State law. Any disputes will be resolved in the appropriate courts of New York.

Contact Information

For questions about these Terms & Conditions or our services:

Bibiana Cordero, Administrative Assistant
Phone: (917) 688-2446
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 AM – 2 PM
Email:differentapproachclinic@gmail.com

Practice Address:
307 West 38th Street, Suite 1642
New York, NY 10018

Acknowledgment

By receiving services from Different Approach NP in Psychiatry, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms & Conditions.

Different Approach NP in Psychiatry
James Dusenbury, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Licensed in New York State