Lauren Grousd, LCPC

225 Commercial St, Suite 404

Portland, ME 04101

(207) 209-2755

Fax: (207) 221-2130

Lauren@LaurenGrousdLCPC.net

Welcome! 

Thank you for choosing Lauren Grousd, LCPC. This is an opportunity to acquaint you with information relevant to treatment, confidentiality, and office policies. I will answer any questions you have regarding any of these policies. 

The Therapeutic Process 

In this practice, I work to tailor our approach to your needs. How therapy is done varies depending on the strengths and personalities of the therapist and the client and the particular issues you are experiencing. We work together in the first few sessions to assess your history and the issues that you are experiencing. From this assessment, we will work on a treatment plan that best suits your particular needs. Sometimes other resources or providers will be needed to best address your treatment goals. This is something I can help you navigate. 

Therapy involves benefits and risks. Since therapy often involves discussing difficult topics, you may experience a range of emotions that are sometimes intense like sadness, guilt, anger, frustration, grief, loneliness, and helplessness. Allowing these feelings to be acknowledged and expressed is an important part of the therapeutic process. Other benefits include increased self-awareness, increased confidence, improved relationships, concrete ideas for specific problems, new tools for emotional regulation, among many others. There are no guarantees of exactly what you will experience. 

Areas of Competence: 

Lauren Grousd, LCPC is, by training, prepared to offer psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and families-adolescent through adult. I utilize a client-centered, eclectic approach to counseling incorporating cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and trauma-sensitive therapy as appropriate. I have by education and affirmed by licensure been prepared to work with all major mental illnesses and through training and experience have developed expertise in addressing sexuality issues in a holistic, integrative manner. Medications may be helpful for specific conditions. I defer to and work closely with the client's principal health care provider(s) and/or psychiatrist in the event that medications are merited.

Degrees, Credentials, Licenses for Lauren Grousd, LCPC:
*Master of Arts degree in Psychology and Counseling with a concentration in Sexual Orientation awarded 9/2011 from Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont
*Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) issued 12/2/14, expires 12/31/24 (License # CC4380)
*AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator issued 6/30/12, expires 6/30/15.

Communication  

The Client Portal - https://LaurenGrousdLCPC.SecurePatientArea.com - is the preferred site for all communication, including scheduling, billing, telehealth sessions, messaging, journaling, records, releases, and other shared documents and documentation because it is secure and encrypted according to HIPAA requirements. Clients are expected to utilize the Client Portal for the above uses, with the exceptions listed below. If you have questions or concerns about using the Client Portal, please discuss them with me in session or over the phone. I will make reasonable accommodations if you are unable to use some or all of the site. 

The office phone number is 207-209-2755. You may also text or email your therapist about logistical matters only, such as making or changing appointments. Please note that we cannot guarantee the confidentiality of such texts or emails because they are not encrypted. All counseling/clinical problems should be discussed in sessions or communicated through the secure Client Portal.

Confidentiality 

Issues discussed in therapy are important and are generally legally protected as both confidential and "privileged." However, there are limits to the privilege of confidentiality, which is detailed in the Notice of Privacy Practices. A summary is included here: These situations include: 1.) suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elderly person or a disabled person, 2.) when your therapist believes you are in danger of harming yourself or another person or you are unable to care for yourself, 3.) if you communicate that you intend to physically injure someone the law requires your therapist to inform that person as well as the legal authorities, 4.) if your therapist is ordered by a court to release information as part of a legal involvement 5.) when your insurance company is involved, e.g. in filing a claim, insurance audits, case review or appeals, etc., 6.) in natural disasters or other events beyond our control whereby protected records may become exposed 7.) if you file a licensing or legal complaint against your therapist, we may release relevant information in order to respond to the complaint 8.) when otherwise required by law. You may be asked to sign a Release of Information so that your therapist may speak with other providers or parties if you choose. 

Sessions 

Sessions run for 60 minutes. We do our best to start and end on time. If you are late for a session, we will still need to end at the scheduled time. 

Social Media Policy 

Social Media/Review Websites - If you try to communicate with your provider via these methods, they will not respond. This includes any form of friend or contact request, @mention, direct message, wall post, and so on. This is to protect your confidentiality and ensure appropriate boundaries in therapy. 

Your provider may publish content on various social media websites or blogs. There is no expectation that you will follow, comment on, or otherwise engage with any content. If you do choose to follow your provider on any platform, they will not follow you back. 

If you see your provider on any form of review website, it is not a solicitation for a review. Many such sites scrape business listings and may automatically include your provider. If you choose to leave a review of your provider on any website, they will not respond. While you are always free to express yourself in the manner you choose, please be aware of the potential impact on your confidentiality prior to leaving a review. It is often impossible to remove reviews later, and some sites aggregate reviews from several platforms leading to your review appearing in other places without your knowledge. 

In-Person Interactions Outside of the Office

In the event that you and your therapist see each other outside of the clinical setting (office or telehealth), the standard practice is for your therapist not to initiate contact or acknowledge you first. This is for the purpose of maintaining your privacy and confidentiality. You may choose to say 'hello' or acknowledge your therapist, understanding that this may compromise your confidentiality. You are never expected or required to do so. Regardless of what you choose, your therapist will never discuss clinical or private issues with you outside of the clinical setting unless this has previously been discussed (e.g., you have provided informed consent to have a therapy session outside of the office for treatment purposes). 

In the Event of a Mental Health Crisis 

All crisis situations where your therapist cannot be immediately reached should be directed to the 24 hour crisis hotline at 207-774-4357 or your local hospital emergency room. If you feel you will need crisis services, we should discuss whether or not your therapist can best meet your needs. *All clients must acknowledge and agree that their therapist is available only during scheduled sessions. All clients agree that they will utilize crisis services, if needed, when their therapist is not immediately available. 

Record Keeping 

A clinical chart is maintained describing your condition and your treatment and progress in treatment, dates of and fees for sessions, and notes describing each therapy session. Your records will not be released without your written consent, unless in those situations as outlined in the Confidentiality section above or the Notice of Privacy Practices. Paper records are locked and kept on site, the majority of records are electronic and kept according to HIPAA standards. 

Use of Healthcare Information 

I understand that Lauren Grousd. LCPC will make use of my health care information for purposes of treatment and other lawful functions of the practice, including securing payment and other usual health care operations. I understand that Lauren Grousd, LCPC holds certain sensitive information related to my health care, such as: 

- Records covered by Federal rules governing confidentiality of alcohol and drug abuse treatment programs.

- Records covered by State rules governing mental health service.
- Records concerning my, or my child's diagnosis or treatment for HIV or AIDS. 

My specific authorization will be required to disclose such information to others. However, I consent to use of such information by Lauren Grousd, LCPC for purposes of my evaluation and treatment, and other lawful functions of this practice, including securing payment and other usual health care operations. I understand that such information may be made available to persons working on Lauren Grousd, LCPC's behalf, who will be subject to the same duty of confidentiality as Lauren Grousd, LCPC with respect to such information. I understand that I may refuse to allow the sharing of some or all such information, but that refusal may result in improper diagnosis or treatment or other adverse consequences. 

Payments 

Clients are responsible for understanding their own insurance policy. 

-You are financially responsible for any services your insurance company does not pay. 

-Services denied as not covered by your insurance company are your responsibility. 

-You need to direct any coverage, benefit or participation questions directly to your insurance company. 

-We cannot change how your insurance company processes or pays your claims. Your insurance company decides what you are responsible for paying for your services at our office. 

Client payments are due at the time of service. 

Due to the nature of insurance, sometimes we will not know your portion of the service right away. In this case, the payment is due within 30 days of the first statement. If payment in full cannot be made, please contact Lauren Grousd, LCPC via the secure Client Portal to discuss payment options. It is important to us that we work with you to ensure continuity of care. 

If your account balance is still outstanding after 90 days, the account will be automatically submitted to our collection agency. You will be responsible for any reasonable collection costs, including attorney fees if incurred. Accounts that are placed with our collection agency will be charged $125 in addition to the outstanding balance due. 

It is important that you appear for all scheduled appointments. Your failure to cancel an appointment in a timely manner, at least 24 hours prior to the visit, deprives other clients of an opportunity to visit our office. You will be responsible for paying a missed appointment fee of $115.00 if you fail to appear for a scheduled visit and have not provided at least 24 hours advance notice of cancellation. 

This policy is aimed at minimizing the waiting time and ensuring availability of prompt care. We recognize the fact that there may be circumstances which may not permit you to give us 24 hours prior notice, but such circumstances are exceptional and extremely infrequent and shall be considered on a case by case basis. 

Ending Treatment

You may end treatment at any time. If you decide to end therapy before reaching your treatment goals, please let your therapist know. We are happy to provide appropriate referrals. If you do not have a scheduled appointment or contact with your therapist for one month, we will assume that you no longer want to engage in therapy and your case file will be closed. At this point, we will no longer be responsible for your treatment. If you would like to resume therapy, we can often arrange for that based on your needs and the availability of your therapist. 

Regarding Legal Issues

Information discussed in therapy is for therapeutic purposes and is not intended for use in any legal proceedings. 

It is important that you know that legal issues of any nature are not my specialty and that if you are seeking support with this, I advise that you find someone with more experience in this matter. 

It is also important that you understand that I do not go to court. If you have engaged an attorney, please advise your attorney of this. In working with Lauren Grousd, LCPC, you agree not to subpoena your therapist to testify on your behalf. If, under any circumstances, we are court ordered to attend a proceeding, we charge $250/hour, including travel time, with a minimum payment of $500 payable before the service is provided. 

Complaints 

You have a right to have your complaints heard and resolved in a timely manner. If you have a complaint about your treatment, therapist, or any office policy please inform us immediately and discuss the situation. Please see Rights of Recipients of Mental Health Treatment at https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/samhs/mentalhealth/rights- legal/recipients/rights-summary.html. 

If your complaint is not resolved through discussion with Lauren Grousd, LCPC, and/or if you feel your rights have been violated, you have the right to file a complaint with the State of Maine Office of Professional and Financial Regulation here - https://www.maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/home/file-a-complaint#:~:text=The%20Office%20of%20Professional%20and,Complaint%20Procedures%20have%20been%20developed.

Engaging in Adjunctive Emotional Wellness Services 

At Lauren Grousd, LCPC, we may provide workshops and educational groups that are open to clients and any interested parties. These are for the benefit of all participants. While they may assist you in personal growth, participation is not required for you to be a client here. Any recommendation by your therapist to participate in a workshop or group is an optional suggestion. You are not in any way obligated to register. 

If you would like to participate in an adjunctive workshop or group, please know that these are not considered therapy. These are for support, education, and personal growth. There will be no diagnosis or treatment plan provided, and therefore they are not considered a medical service and not reimbursed by insurance. 

While the facilitator will keep your information confidential, this service is not "privileged" like psychotherapy. It does not constitute treatment. However, the facilitator will still have to follow legal and licensing requirements, including mandatory reporting. You should discuss the risks and benefits of participating with your appropriate providers. 

BY SIGNING BELOW I AM AGREEING THAT I HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD AND AGREE TO THE ITEMS CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT. I authorize the release of any medical or other information necessary to process claims to my insurance. I understand that I am financially responsible for all services I receive from Lauren Grousd, LCPC. 

I accept, understand and agree to abide by the contents and terms of this agreement and further, I consent to participate in evaluation and/or treatment. I understand that I may withdraw from treatment at any time. 

Notice of Privacy Practices
Your Information. Your Rights. Our Responsibilities. 

This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review it carefully. 

Contact Information:

Lauren Grousd, LCPC (ME License #CC4380)

225 Commercial St, Suite 404

Portland, ME 04101

Lauren@LaurenGrousdLCPC.net

(207) 209-2755

Fax: (207) 221-2130

SUMMARY - 

Your Rights 

You have the right to:
- Get a copy of your paper or electronic medical record
- Correct your paper or electronic medical record
- Request confidential communication
- Ask us to limit the information we share
- Get a list of those with whom we've shared your information
- Get a copy of this privacy notice
- Choose someone to act for you
- File a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated 

Your Choices 

You have some choices in the way that we use and share information as we: 

- Tell family and friends about your condition (except in emergency situations, we will not share your information without your consent) 

- Provide mental health care 

Our Uses and Disclosures 

We may use and share your information as we: 

- Treat you
- Run our organization
- Bill for your services 

- Comply with the law
- Respond to lawsuits and legal actions 

Your Rights
When it comes to your health information, you have certain rights. This section explains your rights and some of our responsibilities to help you. 

Get an electronic or paper copy of your medical record 

- You can ask to see or get an electronic or paper copy of your medical record and other health information we have about you. Ask us how to do this. 

- We will provide a copy or a summary of your health information, usually within 30 days of your request. We may charge a reasonable, cost-based fee. 

Ask us to correct your medical record 

- You can ask us to correct health information about you that you think is incorrect or incomplete. Ask us how to do this. 

- We may say "no" to your request, but we'll tell you why in writing within 60 days. 

Request confidential communications 

- You can ask us to contact you in a specific way (for example, home or office phone) or to send mail to a different address. 

- We will say "yes" to all reasonable requests. 

Ask us to limit what we use or share 

- You can ask us not to use or share certain health information for treatment, payment, or our operations. We are not required to agree to your request, and we may say "no" if it would affect your care. 

- If you pay for a service or health care item out-of-pocket in full, you can ask us not to share that information for the purpose of payment or our operations with your health insurer. We will say "yes" unless a law requires us to share that information. 

Get a list of those with whom we've shared information 

- You can ask for a list (accounting) of the times we've shared your health information for six years prior to the date you ask, who we shared it with, and why. 

- We will include all the disclosures except for those about treatment, payment, and health care operations, and certain other disclosures (such as any you asked us to make). We'll provide one accounting a year for free but will charge a reasonable, cost-based fee if you ask for another one within 12 months. 

Get a copy of this privacy notice 

You can ask for a paper copy of this notice at any time, even if you have agreed to receive the notice electronically. We will provide you with a paper copy promptly. 

Choose someone to act for you 

- If you have given someone medical power of attorney or if someone is your legal guardian, that person can exercise your rights and make choices about your health information. 

- We will make sure the person has this authority and can act for you before we take any action. 

File a complaint if you feel your rights are violated   

- You can complain if you feel we have violated your rights by contacting us using the information on page 1. 

- You can file a complaint with the State of Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation Complaint Unit here - https://www.maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/home/file-a-complaint#:~:text=The%20Office%20of%20Professional%20and,Complaint%20Procedures%20have%20been%20developed.

- We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint. 

Your Choices 

For certain health information, you can tell us your choices about what we share. If you have a clear preference for how we share your information in the situations described below, talk to us. Tell us what you want us to do, and we will follow your instructions. 

In these cases, you have both the right and choice to tell us to:
- Share information with your family, close friends, or others involved in your care 

Our Uses and Disclosures 

How do we typically use or share your health information? 

We typically use or share your health information in the following ways:  

Treat you 

We can use your health information and share it with other professionals who are treating you. 

Example: It may be beneficial and best practice for a therapist to consult with your other medical provider(s). We would speak with you and obtain your written consent prior to release of information. 

Run our organization 

We can use and share your health information to run our practice, improve your care, and contact you when necessary. 

Example: We use health information about you to manage your treatment and services. 

Bill for your services

We can use and share your health information to bill and get payment from health plans or other entities. 

Example: We give information about you to your health insurance plan so it will pay for your services. 

Comply with the law  

We will share information about you if state or federal laws require it, including with the Department of Health and Human Services if it wants to see that we're complying with federal privacy law. 

Respond to lawsuits and legal actions 

We can share health information about you in response to a court or administrative order, or in response to a subpoena. 

Our Responsibilities

- We are required by law to maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information. 

- We will let you know promptly if a breach occurs that may have compromised the privacy or security of your information. 

- We must follow the duties and privacy practices described in this notice and give you a copy of it. 

- We will not use or share your information other than as described here unless you tell us we can in writing. If you tell us we can, you may change your mind at any time. Let us know in writing if you change your mind. 

For more information see: 

www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/consumers/noticepp.html. 

Changes to the Terms of this Notice

We can change the terms of this notice, and the changes will apply to all information we have about you. The new notice will be available upon request, in our office, and on our website. 

UPHEAL PRIVACY POLICY

Name of healing professional or organization: Lauren Grousd MA LCPC

Phone number: 207-209-2755

The above healing entity is the data controller of your personal information which is processed through the Upheal app during sessions.

Dear client,

Upheal is an AI-assisted platform that automates clinical notes and provides session analytics for your therapist. This tool helps to streamline the documentation process so that your therapist can focus on providing you the best mental health care possible. The use of Upheal for your sessions is not required for you to work with me as a client, and you may choose not to consent to its use by not signing off on this policy document. 

If you would like to learn more about the Upheal app, you can copy this link into your browser: https://support.upheal.io/en/articles/8614286-what-are-the-agreements-i-make-with-upheal-as-a-client

The following policies provide you with more information about how session and personal data is used and protected when your therapist uses Upheal for your sessions. You may ask your therapist for more information if you have additional questions before signing off on these policies.

We process your data with due care, in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 ("HIPAA"), regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council, the General Data Protection Regulation (the "GDPR"), the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (the "CCPA"), the Personal Health Information Protection Act (the "PHIPA") and any applicable data protection regulations.

1. DEFINITIONS
"consent" of the data subject means any freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous indication of the data subject's (or, if applicable, of their parent or legal guardian) wishes by which he or she, by a statement or by a clear affirmative action, signifies agreement to the processing of personal data relating to him or her.

2. WHAT PERSONAL DATA ARE PROCESSED THROUGH THE APP?

Your data:

Identifying data:  Name, last name, home address, gender, date of birth, email address, phone number

Personal details:  Spoken language, country

Recording:  Audio and video recording of the session

Usage data:  Session date and time, length

Health data:  Session transcript & insights, audio and video of the session, clinical notes

3. WHY IS YOUR DATA USED?

Your data is used for:

PURPOSE: Provision of the app service                        

DATA CATEGORY: Identifying data, personal details, usage data

LEGAL BASIS: The performance of the contract

ARE YOU OBLIGED TO PROVIDE THE DATA: Yes. Failure to provide such data will result in the inability to provide you with the service

HOW LONG DO I KEEP YOUR DATA: 6 years

PURPOSE: Provision of the app service                        

DATA CATEGORY: Health data (therapy session transcript & insights, medical notes)

LEGAL BASIS: Your consent

ARE YOU OBLIGED TO PROVIDE THE DATA: Yes. Failure to provide such data and the consent will result in the inability to provide you with the service

HOW LONG DO I KEEP YOUR DATA: 6 years

PURPOSE: Provision of the app service                        

DATA CATEGORY: Recording of the audio and video

LEGAL BASIS: The performance of the contract and your consent for health data

ARE YOU OBLIGED TO PROVIDE THE DATA: Yes. Failure to provide such data and the consent will result in the inability to provide you with the service

HOW LONG DO I KEEP YOUR DATA: The duration of the session

PURPOSE: Storage of the audio and video recording                         

DATA CATEGORY: Audio and video recording

LEGAL BASIS: Your consent, which you will express specifically during the session in the app

ARE YOU OBLIGED TO PROVIDE THE DATA: No. It is always optional to provide the consent for the storage of the audio and video recording

HOW LONG DO I KEEP YOUR DATA: 6 years. But you can always withdraw your consent and the recording will be deleted immediately

4. HOW IS YOUR PERSONAL DATA USED?

Upheal is an app which creates notes based on what's discussed during healing sessions. Using AI, the app transcribes the conversation and provides summaries and insights. As a result, your healing professional will not spend time writing notes and can focus on being there for you.

At the end of the session the generated transcript will be revised to get to final notes, therefore there is no decision based solely on automated processing - it is always by your healing professional's intervention. The recording of the session will not be stored unless you express consent before starting. For more about the Upheal app visit https://www.upheal.io.

5. WHO CAN ACCESS YOUR PERSONAL DATA ?

Your data can be accessed or disclosed to:

- Processors: hosting providers, suppliers of IT services and application software, or other public or private bodies to whom it might be necessary to disclose the data for the purpose of provision of the services to you.

- Law Enforcement: your personal data can be disclosed outside the scope of these provisions only as required to do so by law or compelled by court, government or administrative agency of competent jurisdiction. Personal data from users may be subject to federal and local laws that require the disclosure of data in certain circumstances.

- Upon your request, your personal data, including medical and behavioral information, can be shared with other healthcare providers or any other individual or entity that you instruct me to inform.

6. WHERE IS YOUR DATA PROCESSED?

If you use our services from the EU, Switzerland or the UK, we inform you that your data is transferred to our suppliers outside the European Economic Area and the UK, in particular in the U.S.

In this case, we inform you that the data transfer will take place only in the presence of adequate safeguards provided for by the applicable law. In particular, for transfers from the EU and the UK, where an Adequacy Decision is not applicable, we rely on the Standard Contractual Clauses provided by the European Commission (art. 46 GDPR). For further information about the data transfer you can contact us at the email address indicated below.

7. HOW ARE YOU SUPPORTED IN DEALING WITH DATA SUBJECT RIGHTS?

- 7.1. If you are from the European Union, Switzerland or UK remember that you can: access and correct your data.

- You can obtain the erasure of your personal data under certain circumstances.

- You also have the right to restrict the processing of your personal data.

- You can withdraw your consent at any time.

- Moreover, you can receive a copy of your personal data or ask your healing professional or entity to transmit that data to another controller, where technically feasible.

- You can lodge a complaint with the supervisory authority of your State or territory in case you think that your rights have been breached or you have concerns about our privacy practices or how your personal health information has been handled.

- If you wish to exercise one of these rights, you can write to lauren@laurengrousdlcpc.net

- 7.2. Remember that under HIPAA you can always request access and amendment of your data.

- 7.3. If you are from California remember that the CCPA provides California consumers with specific rights regarding their personal information. This section describes your CCPA rights and explains how to exercise those rights.

The Right to Know:  You have the right to request the disclosure of the personal information collected, used, disclosed or sold about you in the previous  twelve (12) months. You may also request a copy of the personal information collected on you over the past twelve (12) months.

The Right to Deletion:  You have the right to request the deletion of any of your personal information collected from you and retained, subject to certain exceptions. Once your verifiable request is received and confirmed, your healing professional or entity will direct service providers to delete your personal information from any records, unless an exception applies.

Last update February 27, 2024

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