Policies and Informed Consent
My fee for a 45 - 50 minute "hour" is $250 but I have some sliding scale openings. Please call and we can speak on the phone the first twenty minute phone consultation is free. I have in person office hours Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I also have some Sunday’s open and a few evenings online. Book a. getting to know you session above. I do have lower fee slots for creative work and mindfulness instruction. There is information about the distinction here: https://www.bridgetbertrand.com/blog/2025/9/6/coaching-or-therapy
Please read about my anti-racist plan here:
If you have any questions at all I welcome your email. I am updating my email to bridget@bridgetbertrand.com as of January 2026.
I graduated from Santa Clara University in 2011 with a Master's in Counseling Psychology. I completed over 3,000 supervised hours before becoming licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and have been in private practice since 2013. My professional interests include mindfulness, expressive arts therapy, and stress reduction. I draw from several therapeutic approaches depending on your needs, including humanistic, process-experiential, family systems, and psychoeducational interventions.
I am certified in Person-Centered Expressive Arts and may offer art-based experiences during sessions or as between-session practice. If you’d like, ask for ideas. I also offer creative practices for folks who don't need or want a more formal therapeutic process and don't need to submit a superbill to their insurance. Feel free to ask me about the difference.
Appointments and Cancellations:
Sessions are typically 50 minutes. For your reference, requests for longer or shorter sessions must be arranged in advance. When you arrive early, please be aware that someone may be in session with me, so be quiet in the waiting room. If you have a child, tell them the session starts at the top of the hour and lasts 50 minutes. I won't have a lot of time to speak with parents, depending on the work your child is engaged in. Please know I typically have a lot of time from 8 am-1 pm M-F to speak with you and encourage you in parenting your child and yourself!
Please cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours before your appointment. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance will be charged the full session fee.
Late arrivals will result in a shorter session, ending at the initially scheduled time.
If I offer a time and do not hear back within 24 hours, I won't be able to hold that slot.
If you cancel a session, you will need to reach out to reschedule.
I can offer phone or video sessions when needed, particularly during vacations or other scheduling gaps. If you don't get a reminder, you are not in my calendar. Never hesitate to reach out and confirm your appointment if you are confused.
Fees: Individual sessions: $250 (effective January 2026)
Family therapy sessions (60 minutes): $300
Fees may periodically increase due to rent and inflation.
A few sliding-scale spots are available annually via Open Path Collective.
If you need a lower-cost referral, I can give you some options.
Payment Policy:
Payment is due at the time of service.
A credit card is required to keep on file as a backup for missed sessions or late cancellations.
You may also leave a refundable deposit check equivalent to one session.
By signing this agreement, you authorize Bridget Bertrand, LMFT, to charge your card for missed sessions, late cancellations, or unpaid balances.
For your reference, calls exceeding 10 minutes are billed at your regular session rate; brief calls or scheduling adjustments are not charged. Speaking with teachers and other therapists involved will also be prorated at your agreed-upon session fee.
Telephone and Emergencies:
You may leave a confidential voicemail or text between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. I return messages within 24 hours on business days. If you need immediate assistance in an emergency, please call 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Or look here for other warm line ideas: https://www.bridgetbertrand.com/resources
The Trevor Project enables you to connect with a crisis counselor 24/7/365. | ‘START’ to 678-678
Social Media and Electronic Communication:
To protect your confidentiality and maintain professional boundaries:
I do not accept friend/follow requests on social media from clients.
I do not engage in therapy via email or text.
Electronic communication (text/email) should be limited to scheduling and logistics only.
I cannot guarantee the confidentiality of electronic transmission.
Telehealth sessions comply with the California Telehealth Act.
You retain the right to withdraw consent for telehealth at any time. All standard confidentiality protections apply.
Confidentiality and Its Limits:
All information shared in therapy is confidential except in cases where disclosure is required by law or ethical duty, such as:
Risk of serious harm to self or others.
Suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or dependent adult.
Court orders or legal subpoenas.
Clinical consultation (your name will not be disclosed).
If we meet outside the office, I will not acknowledge you first to protect your privacy.
Treatment, Risks, and Benefits:
Therapy can improve emotional well-being but may also trigger uncomfortable feelings as you explore complex issues. I cannot promise specific outcomes, but I will support and collaborate with you to help you reach your goals.
Working With Minors:
Clients under 18 must have consent from a parent or guardian. Parents may have access to information about treatment, though confidentiality for the minor will be discussed beforehand.
Termination of Services:
Therapy may end by mutual agreement, client choice, or therapist decision when:
Treatment goals are met,
Therapy is no longer effective, or
There are consistent missed appointments or unpaid sessions.
If terminated, I can provide referrals to other qualified therapists.
If no contact happens for three consecutive weeks without prior arrangement, therapy will be considered discontinued.
Legal Testimony and Litigation:
Therapists are generally not participants in clients’ legal cases. Subpoenaing your therapist is strongly discouraged, as it may harm the therapeutic relationship and confidentiality.
Preparation and testimony: $350/hour
Depositions or attorney contact: $350/hour
Travel or waiting time: $220/hour
Document preparation: $320/hour
Court filing fee: $100
If subpoenaed, I will assert client privilege until instructed otherwise in writing.
Notice of Privacy Practices (HIPAA Compliance):
This practice complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and California confidentiality laws. A full Notice of Privacy Practices is provided in this document, which describes how your Protected Health Information (PHI) may be used or disclosed.
Your rights to access, correct, or restrict your information.
How to file a privacy complaint can be found here: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/index.html
To file a complaint about me or another therapist you will find more here: https://www.bbs.ca.gov/consumers/consumer_complaints.html, and I welcome your direct communication about my services.
By initialing below, or emailing me acknowledging you have read these policies, you confirm that you received this notice.
You are stating: I have read, understood, and agree to the terms described in this consent form. I have discussed any questions I have with the therapist and consent to begin treatment under these terms.