Terms and Conditions for Center for Wellness International

Effective Date: June 3, 2025

1. Introduction and Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to the Center for Wellness International (“we,” “us,” or “our”). These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of our services, including but not limited to mental health counseling, TeleMental Health services, educational services, professional development, and our website (www.centerforwellnessint.com) (collectively, the “Services”).

By accessing or using our Services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy (available on our website). If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not access or use our Services.

Please read these Terms carefully. They contain important information about your rights and obligations, as well as limitations and exclusions that may apply to you.

2. Our Services

The Center for Wellness International offers a range of mental health and wellness services. Specific services, including their scope, nature, and any associated fees, will be discussed and agreed upon with you prior to or at the commencement of the service.

• Mental Health Counseling & Therapy: Our qualified professionals provide counseling and therapy services. The therapeutic relationship is a professional one, and information shared is confidential, subject to legal and ethical limitations outlined in our Privacy Policy and Informed Consent documents.
• TeleMental Health Services: We offer services remotely via secure video conferencing and other communication technologies. By using TeleMental Health services, you acknowledge and agree to the inherent risks and benefits associated with remote care, which will be further detailed in your Informed Consent for TeleMental Health. You are responsible for ensuring you have a private, secure environment and appropriate technology for these sessions.
• Educational Services & Professional Development: We provide various educational programs and professional development opportunities. Specific terms, schedules, and fees for these services will be provided upon registration or inquiry.
• Consulting Services: We offer consulting services, the terms of which will be defined in a separate agreement.

3. Client Responsibilities

As a client or user of our Services, you agree to:

• Provide accurate and complete information when requested, including personal, medical, and insurance information.
• Attend scheduled appointmentspunctually. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please do so in accordance with our Cancellation Policy (see Section 6).
• Actively participate in your agreed-upon treatment plan or service.
• Treat our staff and other clients with respect and courtesy.
• Be responsible for your own well-being and seek emergency services if you are experiencing a crisis or life-threatening situation. Our services are not intended for emergency crisis intervention. If you are in crisis, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
• Ensure you have a suitable and private environment for TeleMental Health sessions.
• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations when using our Services.

4. Informed Consent

Prior to beginning therapy services, you will be provided with an Informed Consent document. This document will provide detailed information about the specific services you will receive, the therapeutic process, confidentiality and its limits, potential risks and benefits, fees, and your rights as a client. For TeleMental Health services, a specific Informed Consent for TeleMental Health will also be provided. You must review and sign these documents before services can commence.

5. Fees and Payment

• Service Fees: Fees for our Services will be disclosed to you prior to engagement. A schedule of fees is available upon request.
• Insurance: We may accept certain insurance plans. It is your responsibility to verify your insurance coverage, including any pre-authorizations, co-payments, deductibles, or limitations, prior to your first session. You are responsible for any fees not covered by your insurance.
• Payment: Payment is due at the time of service unless other arrangements have been made in advance. We accept [List accepted payment methods, e.g., cash, check, credit/debit cards].
• Outstanding Balances: If your account has an outstanding balance, we may suspend or terminate services until the balance is paid. We reserve the right to use collection agencies for overdue accounts.

6. Appointment Cancellation and No-Show Policy

We require at least [e.g., 24 hours, 48 hours] advance notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment.

• Late Cancellations: Cancellations made with less than [e.g., 24 hours] notice may be subject to a late cancellation fee of [e.g., $XX or % of session fee].
• No-Shows: If you miss a scheduled appointment without providing any prior notice, you may be charged the full session fee.
• Exceptions may be made for emergencies on a case-by-case basis.

7. Confidentiality and Privacy

We are committed to protecting your privacy and confidentiality. Our practices regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal and health information are detailed in our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated by reference into these Terms. Please review it carefully.

Limits to confidentiality include (but are not limited to):

• Suspected child abuse or neglect.
• Suspected elder abuse or neglect.
• If a client presents a serious danger of violence to others.
• If a client is likely to harm themselves unless protective measures are taken.
• As required by court order or other legal process.

These limits will be discussed further in your Informed Consent document.

8. TeleMental Health Services Specifics

• Technology Requirements: You are responsible for having access to a reliable internet connection, a device (computer, tablet, or smartphone) with a camera and microphone, and a private space for sessions.
• Security: While we use secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms for TeleMental Health, no electronic communication is 100% secure. We will discuss potential risks and safeguards with you.
• Emergency Protocol: We will establish an emergency plan with you, including identifying a local contact person and emergency services in your area, as we are providing services remotely.
• Jurisdictional Limitations: Our therapists are licensed to practice in North Carolina. If you are located outside of North Carolina during a session, please inform your therapist, as there may be licensing and regulatory implications.

9. Website Use

• Permitted Use: You may use our website for informational purposes and to access our Services in accordance with these Terms.
• Prohibited Use: You may not use our website to:
  • Transmit any unlawful, harassing, libelous, abusive, threatening, harmful, vulgar, obscene, or otherwise objectionable material.
  • Transmit any material that encourages conduct that could constitute a criminal offense, give rise to civil liability, or otherwise violate any applicable local, state, national, or international law or regulation.
  • Interfere with any other person’s use or enjoyment of the website.
  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems or engage in any activity that disrupts, diminishes the quality of, interferes with the performance of, or impairs the functionality of, the website or our Services.
• Intellectual Property: All content on our website, including text, graphics, logos, images, and software, is the property of the Center for Wellness International or its licensors and is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works from any content without our prior written consent.

10. Disclaimers

• No Guarantees: While we strive to provide effective services, we make no guarantees, representations, or warranties, express or implied, regarding the outcome of therapy or other services. Therapeutic outcomes depend on many factors, including your active participation and commitment.
• Not Emergency Services: Our Services, including TeleMental Health, are not a substitute for emergency medical or psychiatric services. If you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
• Website Content: Information provided on our website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or psychological advice. It should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with a qualified health professional.

11. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Center for Wellness International, its directors, officers, employees, agents, and affiliates shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or any loss of profits or revenues, whether incurred directly or indirectly, or any loss of data, use, goodwill, or other intangible losses, resulting from: (a) your access to or use of or inability to access or use the Services; (b) any conduct or content of any third party on the Services; (c) any content obtained from the Services; or (d) unauthorized access, use, or alteration of your transmissions or content.

In no event shall the aggregate liability of the Center for Wellness International exceed the greater of one hundred U.S. dollars (USD $100.00) or the amount you paid us, if any, in the past six months for the services giving rise to the claim.

The limitations of this subsection shall apply to any theory of liability, whether based on warranty, contract, statute, tort (including negligence), or otherwise, and whether or not we have been informed of the possibility of any such damage, and even if a remedy set forth herein is found to have failed of its essential purpose.

12. Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Center for Wellness International, its officers, directors, employees, and agents, from and against any and all claims, damages, obligations, losses, liabilities, costs or debt, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney’s fees), resulting from or arising out of (a) your use and access of the Service, by you or any person using your account and password; or (b) a breach of these Terms.

13. Termination

• By You: You may terminate your use of our Services at any time, subject to any agreed-upon notice periods or outstanding payment obligations.
• By Us: We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your access to our Services, with or without notice, for conduct that we believe violates these Terms, is harmful to other users of the Services, us, or third parties, or for any other reason in our sole discretion. We will make reasonable efforts to provide notice of termination and, where appropriate, assist with referrals to other providers.

14. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of North Carolina, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

Any dispute arising from or relating to the subject matter of these Terms shall be finally settled by arbitration in [Specify County, e.g., Wake County], North Carolina, using the English language in accordance with the Arbitration Rules and Procedures of [Specify Arbitration Body, e.g., JAMS or American Arbitration Association] then in effect, by one commercial arbitrator with substantial experience in resolving intellectual property and commercial contract disputes, who shall be selected from the appropriate list of arbitrators in accordance with the Arbitration Rules and Procedures of [Specify Arbitration Body]. Judgment upon the award rendered by such arbitrator may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction. Notwithstanding the foregoing obligation to arbitrate disputes, each party shall have the right to pursue injunctive or other equitable relief at any time, from any court of competent jurisdiction.

15. Changes to Terms and Conditions

We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to modify or replace these Terms at any time. If a revision is material, we will provide at least [e.g., 30 days’] notice prior to any new terms taking effect. What constitutes a material change will be determined at our sole discretion. By continuing to access or use our Service after any revisions become effective, you agree to be bound by the revised terms. If you do not agree to the new terms, you are no longer authorized to use the Service.

16. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is held to be unenforceable or invalid, such provision will be changed and interpreted to accomplish the objectives of such provision to the greatest extent possible under applicable law and the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

17. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any Informed Consent documents you sign, constitute the entire agreement between you and the Center for Wellness International regarding our Services and supersede all prior and contemporaneous understandings, agreements, representations, and warranties, both written and oral, regarding such Services.

18. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us:

Center for Wellness International [Insert Physical Address] [Insert Phone Number] [Insert Email Address for Inquiries] Attn: Practice Manager / Director

Note to the Center for Wellness International:

• Fill in the bracketed information (e.g., cancellation notice period and fees, accepted payment methods, county for arbitration, contact details).
• Specify an Arbitration Body: (e.g., JAMS, American Arbitration Association). If you prefer not to use arbitration, this section will need significant revision to outline court jurisdiction.
• Review with Legal Counsel: This is a template and must be reviewed by an attorney in North Carolina to ensure it is legally sound, compliant with all local and federal laws, and tailored to your specific operational practices.
• Make it Accessible: Ensure these Terms are easily accessible to clients, perhaps on your website and provided as part of the intake process.
• Consistency: Ensure these Terms are consistent with your Privacy Policy and Informed Consent documents.