Frequently Asked Questions
What if I want to get a copy of my records?
In accordance with Texas Health and Safety Code § 611.0045, you have a legal right to access your confidential mental health records.
Requests: To request your records, you must submit a written, signed, and dated request to this office.
Timeline and Payment: We will provide access to or copies of your records within 15 business days of receiving both the written request and the applicable payment for copying/administrative fees, as outlined in our Practice Policies.
Redaction of Third Parties: To protect the privacy and confidentiality of others, records may be redacted to remove references to, or identifying information about, individuals other than the client.
Denials: A provider may deny access to a portion of your record only if they determine that release would be harmful to your physical, mental, or emotional health.
What if someone else requests a copy of my records?
Clients are provided a copy of their results at the follow up appointment, and results are sent to any requested party free of charge at that time. For any additional records requests, Fahrenbruck Counseling requires a written release and charges $25.00 for the first 30 pages of records and $0.50 per page thereafter, plus the actual cost of shipping if the client requests that the records be mailed. If an affidavit is requested to certify that the information is a true and correct copy of the requested records, a fee of up to $15.00 may be charged for executing the affidavit.
Who can get a copy of my records?
Per our office policy related to client confidentiality, we do not communicate with ANY individual for whom we do not have a release to do so. This includes stepparents, extended family, and lawyers. We do not confirm or deny to ANY individual without a release that a client has or has not been seen/scheduled with our office. Any adult client or biological/adoptive parent is able to request a copy of records. Should a biological parent prefer to communicate with our office via their attorney, Fahrenbruck Counseling must have an authorization on file.
What if I have questions about licensure or other standards?
The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) investigates and prosecutes professional misconduct committed by psychologists, counselors, social workers, and marriage and family therapists. If you have questions about licensure or professional standards, you may contact BHEC directly at https://bhec.texas.gov/contact-us/
What if I want to file a formal complaint?
If you wish to file a formal complaint, please contact the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council at 1801 Congress Ave., Ste. 7.300, Austin, Texas 78701 | Phone: (512) 305-7700 | Toll-free Complaint Line: (800) 821-3205 | Website: www.bhec.texas.gov OR The Office of the Attorney General's Website: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection