Terms & Conditions

Last updated: 8.1.2025

Welcome to Hope Within Therapy. By accessing this website, scheduling services, or submitting payment, you agree to the following Terms & Conditions. These terms are designed to protect both you, the client, and Hope Within Therapy. Please read them carefully.

1. Scope of Services

  • Hope Within Therapy provides professional mental health counseling services exclusively within the state of California.

  • Services are provided by Veronica Gonzalez, LMFT, PMH-C, licensed in California.

  • Services are not medical advice, not a replacement for psychiatric or emergency care, and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment.

2. Eligibility & Client Responsibility

  • Clients must be physically located in California at the time of services.

  • Clients must be 18 or older, or have written consent from a parent/guardian for minors.

  • Clients are responsible for providing accurate personal, medical, and billing information. Providing false or incomplete information may result in termination of services.

3. Appointments, Cancellations & Fees

  • Appointments must be scheduled in advance via the Client Portal or by contacting Hope Within Therapy directly.

  • Cancellations require 24 hours’ notice. Any missed, late, or same-day cancellations will be billed at the full session rate. No exceptions unless legally mandated.

  • Repeated cancellations, late arrivals, or disruptive conduct may result in discharge from services.

  • Session fees are subject to change with reasonable notice.

4. Payment Terms

  • Payment is due in full at the time of service unless otherwise arranged in writing.

  • Hope Within Therapy reserves the right to suspend or terminate services for unpaid balances.

  • Client is responsible for all charges incurred, including fees for returned payments or chargebacks.

  • If using insurance, the client is responsible for knowing their coverage, co-pay, and deductible. Any portion not covered by insurance is the client’s responsibility.

5. Telehealth Services

  • Telehealth sessions are conducted on a HIPAA-compliant platform. However, no system can guarantee 100% security. By engaging in telehealth, you acknowledge and accept the risks of electronic communication.

  • Clients must ensure they are in a private, secure environment for sessions. Hope Within Therapy is not responsible for breaches of confidentiality caused by the client’s location, internet connection, or third-party interruptions.

  • If technical difficulties prevent completion of a session, the therapist will make reasonable efforts to reschedule. Refunds are not guaranteed.

6. Confidentiality & Limits

  • Hope Within Therapy complies with HIPAA and state laws regarding confidentiality.

  • Confidentiality has legal limits: therapists are required to break confidentiality if a client is at risk of harming themselves or others, if there is suspected child, dependent adult, or elder abuse, or if required by court order.

  • Electronic communication (text, email) cannot be guaranteed as fully secure and should be used cautiously.

7. No Guarantee of Outcomes

  • Therapy is a collaborative process, but results cannot be guaranteed.

  • By engaging in services, you acknowledge that progress varies and Hope Within Therapy is not responsible for unmet expectations or specific outcomes.

8. Limitation of Liability

  • To the fullest extent permitted by law, Hope Within Therapy and Veronica Gonzalez disclaim all liability for damages, injuries, or losses arising from:

    • Use of this website

    • Use or misuse of services

    • Delays, cancellations, or inability to access services

    • Technical failures during telehealth

  • Client’s sole remedy in the event of dissatisfaction with services is termination of services.

9. Indemnification

By using this website or engaging in services, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless Hope Within Therapy, Veronica Gonzalez, and any employees/contractors from claims, damages, or expenses (including attorney’s fees) arising from your use of services, failure to follow recommendations, or violation of these terms.

10. Modifications

Hope Within Therapy reserves the right to update or revise these Terms & Conditions at any time. Continued use of this website or services constitutes acceptance of any changes.

11. Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of the State of California. Any disputes shall be resolved in the appropriate courts located within San Bernardino County, California.

12. Contact Information

For questions regarding these Terms & Conditions, please contact:

Hope Within Therapy
📍 Apple Valley, California
📞 442.242.0929