About FMLA

To be honest, FMLA is a tricky dilemma for many therapists and health care providers. On one hand, we truly understand why you need it. On the other hand, FMLA is likely not a one-time kinda deal for the certifying health care providers. Depending on your employer and its' insurance, we may need to provide on going supporting documents in our private time. Although majority of the clients seek therapy wanting to improve their mental health would stay for treatment, in some cases, it imposes risks for providers when clients exaggerate or false report their symptoms, or quit treatment after FMLA is approved.

Lastly, if you are still wondering if FMLA will make you feel better, I'd say this: FMLA is a temporary buffer, you are likely to feel a sense of short-term relief by taking a break. But a break itself will not provide you with knowledges, skills and tools to heal trauma, manage emotions, learn boundaries and have clarity about your future, which are all necessary for a sustained, long-term inner peace and happiness. You deserve that.

您目前接受有申请FMLA意向的客户吗？

我目前仅协助现有的，和我咨询3个月以上的自费客户申请，并且在FMLA休假期间必须维持每周一次的心理咨询。我无法协助新的自费病人立刻申请FMLA。注意：我无权限帮您申请加州EDD, 执照医生可以。

和您做心理咨询可以帮我拿到FMLA吗？

心理咨询师的责任是诚实地评估您的心理状况并且提供心理支持，无法保证结果。是否能申请成功取决于您的雇主和其FMLA保险公司，建议联系您的雇主的HR部门或咨询法律专家。

心理咨询可以如何帮助我？

人生很多时候是不可控的，特别是在异国他乡的您或许感觉到过去的许多年里一直在升级打怪，从来都没有停歇、修正和好好思考人生的时间。不论是申请FMLA按下暂停键也好，还是立马辞职谋求他路也好，心理咨询的最终目的是帮您建立一个健康的内在心理体系，从而应对外在的种种风云变幻。

心里话

和您一样，我也曾经无数次面对国际生和第一代移民要面对的种种“关卡” 和挑战，能理解或许您能踏出寻求心理咨询这一步，是已经到了“迫不得已”的地步。但作为心理咨询师，我也想和您坦诚地谈谈为什么FMLA对健康服务提供者来说，是一个棘手并费力不讨好的事情。

对于包括心理咨询师在内的很多健康服务提供者，目前并不愿意协助申请，有以下两方面的原因：第一，虽然大多数的客户抱着解决心理健康问题的前提来做咨询，无法避免会有小部分客户单纯以申请休假为目的，申请成功以后立刻消失。这种行为不仅让心理咨询师被动承担欺诈之嫌和吊销执照的风险，而且让他们自己的FMLA资格收到影响。第二，申请FMLA并不是一次性填几张表格那么简单，您休假的整个过程，我们要向您的雇主和其FMLA保险公司提供其要求的大量随访文书材料，来汇报您的精神健康状况。花好几个小时准备材料是家常便饭，而您的健康保险公司并不能报销这种性质的工作。这些考量也是为什么我仅对现有的已经接受几个月心理咨询的自费客户开放此项服务的原因。

最后，我想说，不管您的人生走到了哪个节点，给自己一个内在复盘的机会。FMLA提供的额外“时间”本身并不能改变我们成长过程中固化的思维模式，并不能治愈童年的创伤，也并不能帮你更好地察觉和管理自己的情绪。不管是寻求专业的心理咨询还是精神科医生的药物帮助，愿你找到新的自己，新的生活。

关于 FMLA

Record Keeping

I maintain brief session records, covering dates, topics discussed, progress, interventions, therapist impressions, and next steps. Your privacy is ensured per HIPAA.

Cancellation

Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance will be charged, unless we can reschedule within the week (Emergency situations exempt; just notify me promptly). After 2 missed sessions or late cancellations within 3 months, further appointments won't be possible.

Communication

You are responsible for maintaining open communication with me, including sharing any concerns, rescheduling/cancellation, payment, and upcoming travel plans.

Consent

You agree with all the policies when you work with me. You may also review and sign additional informed consent or additional policies in our treatment.

One More Thing to Keep in Mind

Confidentiality & Exceptions

With certain exceptions, your therapy sessions are completely confidential. I cannot share information about your sessions without your written consent. Under the Health Care Information Act of 1992, I may legally speak to another healthcare provider or family member without your consent in emergencies only. I prioritize your privacy and will only share information with those you direct me to, and you can revoke this permission at any time.

Legal exceptions to confidentiality include:

• If I believe you intend to harm someone, I must inform the potential victim and the police.

• If I suspect child or vulnerable adult abuse or neglect, I must report it to Child Protective Services or Adult Protective Services.

• If I believe you are in imminent danger of self-harm, I may contact the police or crisis team. I will discuss options with you first, but if necessary, I will make the call to ensure your safety.

Disclose of Medical Information

If a third party, such as an insurance company, is paying fully/partially for your services, I need to provide them with a diagnosis to receive payment. For self-pay clients with no insurance involved, there's no such disclosure.