Informed Consent & Privacy

Provider: Matthew Baker, LCSW
Practice: Whatif Therapy
Location: Telehealth services exclusively within California
Email: matt@whatiftherapy.com
Website: www.whatiftherapy.com
License: Licensed Clinical Social Worker, CA BBS License No.  121926 

Whatif Therapy provides specialized psychotherapy services with a primary focus on Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and anxiety-related conditions. Services are delivered exclusively through secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California, I am authorized to provide:

• Mental health assessment and diagnosis
• Psychotherapy and evidence-based treatment
• Crisis intervention and safety planning
• Referrals to additional or alternative services when appropriate
   

I do not prescribe medication or provide medical care. If medication management is needed, a referral to a psychiatrist or primary care provider will be recommended.

My work is grounded in structured, evidence-based, behavioral treatment, including:

• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Psychoeducation and skills training
   

Therapy may involve discussing distressing topics, engaging in exposures, and practicing new skills between sessions. Progress varies by individual and cannot be guaranteed.

You have the right to:

• Be treated with dignity, respect, and cultural sensitivity
• Participate actively in treatment planning
• Ask questions about your care at any time
• Decline or withdraw from treatment at any point
• Request referrals or second opinions
• Access your records consistent with HIPAA regulations
• File a complaint without retaliation

You have the right to know the benefits, risks, and alternatives to treatment.

Your information is confidential except in situations required by law, including:

• Suspected child abuse
• Suspected elder or dependent adult abuse
• Danger to self or others
• Court orders or legal mandates
• Duty to warn/protect under Tarasoff
• Licensing board investigations
• A full HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices is available on this website.

By participating in telehealth services at Whatif Therapy, you acknowledge that:

• You must be physically located in California during every session
• Sessions occur via encrypted, HIPAA-compliant video platform
• You are responsible for a private, quiet environment during sessions
• Telehealth has limitations, including possible technical disruptions
• Telehealth is not appropriate for crisis situations

If technical failures occur, alternative arrangements may be discussed.

Current rates:

• Initial Intake (60 minutes): $275
• 50-minute session: $250
• 30-minute session: $150
   

Additional policies:

• Payment is due at the time of service
• A Good Faith Estimate is available upon request
• A 24-hour cancellation policy may apply
• Superbills may be provided for out-of-network reimbursement
• Reimbursement is not guaranteed and varies by insurance plan
• Sliding scale is not guaranteed and is assessed case-by-case.

Potential benefits:

• Symptom reduction
• Improved emotional resilience
• Better functioning and quality of life
• Increased coping skills
• Improved insight and behavioral flexibility
   

Potential risks:

• Increased distress in early stages of treatment
• Temporary worsening of symptoms
• Emotional discomfort during exposure practices
• Possible disruption in interpersonal relationships as behaviors change
• You may decline any intervention you are uncomfortable with.

Whatif Therapy does not provide emergency services.
If you are in immediate danger or unable to keep yourself safe:

• Call 911
• Go to your nearest emergency room
• Call 988 (Suicide &. Crisis Lifeline)
   

During telehealth sessions, you must provide:

• A current physical location
• An emergency contact person

If you become unresponsive during a session, emergency services may be contacted.

I am licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS).
You have the right to file a grievance directly with the BBS if you believe a violation of law or ethics has occurred.

A full BBS Grievance Policy is available on this website.

By engaging in services at Whatif Therapy, you acknowledge that:

• You have reviewed this Professional Disclosure &. Informed Consent Summary
• You understand the nature, risks, and benefits of treatment
• You understand your rights and responsibilities
• You consent to participate voluntarily in psychotherapy
• You may revoke consent at any time.