At Operation HOPE, we are committed to creating a supportive, meaningful, and well-organized experience for every participant. To help sessions run smoothly and ensure the best care for both our clients and rescue animals, we ask that everyone review and follow the guidelines below.

Scheduling, Appointments, and Cancellations

When you schedule a session or workshop, that time is reserved specifically for you. Because of the preparation involved—from coordinating facilitators to caring for our horses and rescue animals—we kindly ask that you provide at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule.

Appointments canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice, as well as missed appointments (“no-shows”), will be charged the full session fee.

Why do we have this policy?

  • Your reserved time is held exclusively for you.
  • Last-minute cancellations make scheduling difficult for other participants.
  • Facilitators are scheduled specifically for your session and often travel to our facility.
  • Our horses and rescue animals are prepared and cared for in anticipation of your visit.
  • Session fees help support the ongoing care of our animals and contribute to our scholarship fund.

Please note that appointment reminders sent by text or email are provided as a courtesy. It remains your responsibility to keep track of your scheduled appointments.

Standard psychotherapy sessions are 50 minutes in length, although session arrangements may vary depending on your individual needs. If you arrive late, your session may need to end at the originally scheduled time.

A $10 service fee will be charged for any returned checks.

Staying in Touch

If you need to contact us between sessions, please leave a voicemail message. While we may not always be immediately available, we will do our best to return your call within 24 hours.

If you are experiencing a true emergency, please call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room immediately.

Social Media and Professional Boundaries

Protecting your privacy and maintaining clear therapeutic boundaries are important priorities at Operation HOPE.

For this reason, we do not accept friend requests, follow requests, or connection invitations from current or former clients on social networking platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, or similar sites.

Maintaining these boundaries helps safeguard your confidentiality and preserves the professional nature of our therapeutic relationship. If you have questions about this policy, we are happy to discuss them during a session.

Email, Texting, and Electronic Communication

Email and text messaging may be used for scheduling, appointment confirmations, and cancellations. However, electronic communication cannot be guaranteed as completely secure or confidential.

Please avoid using email or text messages to discuss therapeutic concerns, personal issues, or emergencies.

While we strive to respond promptly, immediate responses cannot be guaranteed. If you require urgent assistance, please contact emergency services or seek appropriate emergency care.

Telehealth and Telemedicine Services

In some cases, therapy services may be provided through technology such as telephone calls, video conferencing, email, or other electronic communication methods. These services are considered telemedicine under applicable laws.

If you choose to participate in telehealth services, it is important to understand that:

  • Participation is entirely voluntary.
  • You may withdraw your consent at any time without affecting your future treatment options.
  • Confidentiality protections remain in place.
  • You have the right to access information shared during telehealth sessions.
  • Your information or images will not be shared with researchers or other parties without your consent.

Telehealth offers many benefits, including improved accessibility, convenience, reduced travel time, and continuity of care. However, there are also limitations. Because therapists may not be able to observe certain physical cues, behaviors, or environmental factors during virtual sessions, some clinically relevant information may be less apparent than during in-person visits.

Working with Minors

When clients are minors, parents or legal guardians may have legal rights to certain information regarding treatment.

We strive to balance parental involvement with the minor’s need for privacy and trust within the therapeutic process. Any information shared with parents will be discussed openly whenever appropriate.

Ending Therapy Services

Ending a therapeutic relationship is an important process and should be approached thoughtfully. Whether therapy concludes because treatment goals have been met, services are no longer effective, or other circumstances arise, we believe in providing an opportunity for closure and discussion.

If therapy is terminated, we will discuss the reasons together and, when appropriate, provide referrals to other qualified mental health professionals.

Please note that if no appointment has been scheduled for three consecutive weeks and no prior arrangements have been made, the professional relationship may be considered discontinued for legal and ethical reasons.

Our Commitment to You

Operation HOPE is dedicated to providing compassionate, professional care in partnership with our incredible rescue animals. These policies help us maintain a safe, respectful, and sustainable environment for everyone involved.

By signing our intake forms, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these policies.

Thank you for being part of the Operation HOPE community. We look forward to supporting your journey toward growth, healing, and hope.