Privacy & Policy

First Appointment

• Our first visit is an opportunity to review your history, discuss your needs and goals, and begin shaping a treatment plan together.
• Bringing previous evaluations, records of medication trials, medical history, and any notes or questions helps make this appointment as helpful and personalized as possible.
• At the end of the visit, we can determine the best next steps for ongoing outpatient care.

Fees & Payment

• Copays are due on the date of the appointment. Cash payments are due prior to the appointment beginning.
• Late cancellations (less than 24 hours prior to an appointment) are billed at half of the cash price rate if the appointment is not filled.
• No-shows are billed at the following rate: $300 for an initial appointment and $150 for follow-up visits.
• This policy is strictly enforced unless prohibited by law or insurance carrier policy.
• Exceptions based on individual circumstances may be made at the clinician’s discretion.
• We use secure credit card processing through the patient portal.
• If a patient has more than two no-shows or late cancellations, they may be referred to another clinic.

Insurance & Self-Pay

• Copays are due at the time of the appointment.
• Self-pay appointments must be paid before the session begins.
• Secure credit card processing is used through the patient portal.
• Lux Psychiatry is credentialed with select commercial insurance plans. Coverage varies by plan and is the patient’s responsibility to understand.
• Self-pay options are available.

Controlled Substances

Medications such as stimulants and benzodiazepines are prescribed only when clinically appropriate and may require:

• Prior records.
• Diagnostic verification.
• Prescription monitoring review.
• Urine drug screening.

Failure to comply with monitoring or safety requirements may result in changes to or discontinuation of controlled medications.

Appointments & Scheduling

• Appointments are scheduled through our patient portal. If you are unable to schedule online, you can submit an inquiry through the website.
• Follow-up frequency is individualized and discussed collaboratively.

Communication & Availability

Lux Psychiatry is an outpatient clinic and not a crisis or emergency service.

• Messages may be sent through voicemail or the patient portal.
• We strive to respond within three business days.
• Messages should be used for scheduling or administrative matters only.

We do not provide real-time or on-demand care between appointments. If you are in crisis or need immediate help, call 911, go to the nearest emergency department, or contact local crisis services.

Privacy & HIPAA

• Lux Psychiatry is committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your health information.
• All patient records are stored securely and handled in accordance with federal HIPAA regulations.
• Your personal information, medical history, and treatment details are only shared with others when you provide consent, or as required by law.
• Communication through the patient portal, email, or phone is conducted with attention to confidentiality and security.
• For more information on your privacy rights or to request access to your records, please contact our office.

Minors & Parental Rights

Under Minnesota law, minors 16 years and older may consent to outpatient mental health services and may have privacy rights related to their care. For younger minors, parents or legal guardians generally have rights to information. We will discuss confidentiality and communication boundaries at the start of care.

Custody, Consent & Safe Harbor

When a minor’s parents are divorced, separated, or share legal custody, Lux Psychiatry requires written consent from all legal guardians before treatment can begin, unless a court order grants one parent sole authority for medical or mental health decisions. If joint legal custody exists, both parents must complete a Safe Harbor Agreement acknowledging:

• Consent for treatment.
• Financial responsibility.
• Access to information.
• Agreement not to use Lux Psychiatry or its records in custody disputes.

Lux Psychiatry does not mediate custody conflicts and will rely on the documentation provided. Failure to submit required legal or consent documents may delay or prevent care.

Telehealth & Electronic Communication

Lux Psychiatry uses secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms when appropriate. Telehealth is not suitable for emergencies or urgent situations. Electronic communication always carries some privacy risk. By using telehealth, email, text, or portal messaging, you acknowledge and accept these limitations.