Terms of Service – Family Service of Chautauqua

Terms of Service for Family Service of the Chautauqua Region

Effective Date: June 30, 2025

By accessing or using the services provided by Family Service of the Chautauqua Region (“FSCR”, “we”, “us”, “our”), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service (“Terms”). These Terms govern your participation in our mental health and support services. Please read them carefully to understand your rights and responsibilities.

1. Description of Services

FSCR provides a variety of mental health and support services to individuals, families, and communities in the Chautauqua region. Our offerings include, but are not limited to:

Office-Based Counseling: Individual, family, and couples counseling, along with psychological testing and support services (About Us).
House Calls: Home visits, individual and family counseling, caregiver support groups, and referrals to medical professionals or psychiatrists (House Calls).
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Employer-sponsored services including short-term counseling, budget counseling, legal consultation (via phone), wellness training, and incident support (EAP-Employee Guide).
School-Based Social Work: On-site therapy, support groups, and mental health education in school settings.
Hispanic Outreach Program: Bilingual support, translation, advocacy, and referrals for the Hispanic community (Hispanic Outreach).
Project Crossroads: A partnership with the Jamestown Police Department for domestic violence prevention and education (Project Crossroads).

For a complete list of services, please visit our About Us page.

2. Eligibility

Eligibility for FSCR services depends on the specific program. For example:

General Counseling: Available to individuals, families, or couples seeking mental health support.
Employee Assistance Program: Restricted to employees of companies contracted with FSCR for EAP services.
Hispanic Outreach: Geared toward Spanish-speaking individuals with mental health diagnoses, offering bilingual support.
School-Based Programs: Available to students in participating schools, often requiring parental consent for minors

Clients must provide accurate demographic and medical information during the intake process to confirm eligibility. Our staff will assess and assign cases based on factors such as insurance, clinical needs, and therapist availability (FAQs).

3. Client Responsibilities

To ensure effective service delivery, clients are expected to:

Provide Accurate Information: Submit complete and truthful demographic, medical, and insurance information during the intake process.
Attend Appointments: Arrive on time for scheduled sessions or notify FSCR in advance of cancellations or rescheduling needs.
Comply with Treatment Plans: Follow recommendations and treatment plans provided by FSCR clinicians.
Respect Confidentiality: Maintain the privacy of other clients and staff, refraining from disclosing information shared in group settings or observed during services.
Adhere to Policies: Follow FSCR’s policies, including those related to appointment cancellations, no-shows, and respectful conduct.

For young children receiving counseling, sessions may involve both the child and their caretaker to support effective treatment (FAQs).

4. Payment and Fees

FSCR strives to make services accessible through flexible payment options:

Insurance: We accept most insurance plans, including managed Medicaid (e.g., Fidelis, Community Blue), but do not accept straight Medicaid. Not all therapists can bill every insurance, which may affect appointment availability (FAQs).
Sliding Scale Fees: For clients without insurance or with straight Medicaid, we offer a sliding scale fee based on income and household size. Contact our office at (716) 488-1971 to determine the exact fee.
Client Responsibility: Clients are responsible for verifying insurance coverage, including outpatient mental health visit costs and deductibles, directly with their insurance provider. Clients must also promptly pay any applicable fees or co-pays.

5. Confidentiality

FSCR is committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and New York’s Mental Hygiene Law, section 33.13. Your personal and health information will only be disclosed with your written consent or as required by law (e.g., to report abuse or comply with a court order). For EAP clients, no information is shared with employers without written consent (EAP-Employee Guide). For detailed information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

6. Online Registration

FSCR offers an online registration system to streamline the intake process. By using this system, you agree to:

Provide accurate and complete information.
Understand that your data will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Acknowledge that online submissions are subject to verification by FSCR staff.

7. Termination of Services

FSCR reserves the right to terminate services under the following circumstances:

Violation of these Terms, including failure to provide accurate information or comply with treatment plans.
Disruptive or harmful behavior toward staff, other clients, or FSCR property.
Non-payment of fees or failure to meet financial obligations.
Clinical determination that continued services are not in the best interest of the client or FSCR.

Clients may also choose to discontinue services at any time by notifying FSCR in writing or by phone.

8. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, FSCR shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from or related to your use of our services, including but not limited to emotional distress, loss of income, or other intangible losses.

9. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to its conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising under these Terms shall be resolved in the courts of Chautauqua County, New York.

10. Changes to These Terms

FSCR may update these Terms periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Revised Terms will be posted on our website at Family Service, and the updated Terms will take effect on the date indicated. Continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

11. Contact Information

For questions or concerns about these Terms, please contact us at:

Family Service of the Chautauqua Region
332 East 4th Street
Jamestown, NY 14701
Telephone: (716) 488-1971
Toll-Free: (888) 358-3899
Email: familyservice@fscr.mygbiz.com

12. Additional Provisions

Minors: For clients under 18, parental or guardian consent may be required, except in cases where New York law permits minors to seek mental health services independently (e.g., under section 33.21 of the Mental Hygiene Law).
Diversity and Inclusion: FSCR is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all services, ensuring accessibility for all community members, including through bilingual support in our Hispanic Outreach Program (About Us).
EAP-Specific Terms: EAP services are provided at no cost to eligible employees, with confidentiality ensured unless written consent is provided (EAP-Employee Guide).