A man in suit and tie smiling for the camera.

Services

I normally conduct an evaluation that lasts from 1 to 2 sessions. During this time, we both decide if I am the best person to provide the services you need in order to meet your treatment goals. An evaluation and psychotherapy appointment is scheduled for a one hour session per week, at a time we agree on; However, some sessions may be longer or more frequent. Once an appointment is made you will be expected to keep the appointment. You will also be expected to pay for any missed appointments unless you provide 24 hours advance notice of cancellation or if we both agree that you were unable to attend due to circumstances beyond your control. I will gladly reschedule the appointment according to my schedule and at your convenience.

How to fill out the Admission Packet

When you call me for therapy, and set up an appointment, I will direct you to my website, Richard Nikla, lmhc.com. On this website you will see several pages. Please look these pages over to familiarize yourself with my practice. I encourage to you also to look at the site at the bottom of the page, View mental health and addition videos. On that site you will see an extensive description on different life experiences and situations as well as alternative coping mechanisms and lifestyle changes.

In the initial telephone conversation, you will be directed to the Services and Fees page of my website. On that page there is a section of forms. You can familiarize yourself with the Admission form, consent for treatment, insurance forms, and if the therapy is for a child under 18 years of age, an authorization to treat a minor child. Also, familiarize yourself with the, client orientation, client rights, and HIPAA notice of privacy. At that time, I will ask you for your email.

Next, I will send you an encrypted email welcoming you to my practice.You will be instructed to enter an id and password. This can be any id and password. Please save this code to use in further encrypted messages with me. You will be asked to attach a copy of your insurance policy card and driver’s license. Attach these forms on the same encrypted email. We will usethis email to communicate via email in the future. You are always free to call me at (941) 780-6939, and I will return the call if I am not available. The following video explains this procedure.

https://videos.godaddy.com/detail/video/5663780144001/how-to-send-receive-encrypted-email

  • Admission Form

  • Authorization to treat minor child

  • Consent for treatment adult

  • Confidential Release of information & insurane companies

  • Confidential Release of information with PMB

  • health insurance claim form 1500 SRQ

  • Consent for treatment adult and child

  • Client Orientation

  • Client Rights and Responsibilities

  • HIPAA Notice of Privacy

To fill out the forms, I will send you an email via Adobe Acrobat DC. You do not need Adobe Acrobat on your computer. In the email I will attach the forms in Adobe Acrobat DC format, with the areas to be filled out highlighted. The email will be entitledSignature Requested on…”. Click on “Review and sign”. Please fill out all highlighted areas. An arrow will appear on the left of the page which is writtenstart”. Click on “Start”. As you fill out each sectionnextwill appear in the arrow. Click on next” and then continue to fill out the form. After all highlighted areas are filled out, “next” will appears at the bottom of the page. The arrow will direct you to sign the form, signature”.Click on “Click here to Sign” and type in your name. A signature will appear. Then click on “Apply”. Every form will need to be filled out. After clicking “Apply” on the last form, an arrow will appear at the bottom of the page pointing to “Click to Sign” in a blue oval. Click on the blue oval and you will see a page come up saying “Your all Set”, with a blue check mark. At that time the forms will automatically be sent to me. You can also fill out the forms off the website, and then attach them to the encrypted email.I will guide you through what forms to fill out.

Due to safety measures and avoiding possible exposure to Coronavirus by travel,
West Coast Behavioral Therapy is offering Telehealth Therapy.

Checking in for an appointment

Telehealth therapy, through Doxy.me, is completely private, simple to use, save, and HIPAA compliant. During these sessions we are able to see each other by connecting over the internet and engage in therapy on stress, anxiety, as well as Mental Health and Substance related issues.

I will send you a therapy invitation via a text through your telephone number. After you receive the invitation you will click to accept the invitation and enter the password Bulldog@1. Press send. When the message comes up that you have accepted the therapy invitation, I will start the session. 

AllTreatment is a web resource dedicated to providing information and aid on mental health and addiction issues. For more information, view my interview profile with AllTreatment.