Terms of Service

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the Next Opportunity Counseling website located at nextopportunitycounseling.com and any related services provided by Next Opportunity Counseling ("we," "us," or "our"). By accessing our website or using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use our website or services.

1. Services Provided

Next Opportunity Counseling provides telehealth mental health counseling and DOT Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) evaluation services to clients physically located in the State of California. Services are provided by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW #138428), licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.

Our website provides general information about our services. Visiting this website does not create a therapeutic, professional, or confidential relationship. A clinical relationship is only established after a formal intake process and execution of a client services agreement.

2. Eligibility

To receive clinical services, you must:

• Be 18 years of age or older (or have verifiable parental/guardian consent)
• Be physically located in the State of California at the time of each telehealth session
• Have access to a device and internet connection suitable for telehealth
• Complete the required intake and consent documentation prior to your first session

3. Telehealth Consent

By scheduling and participating in telehealth services, you acknowledge and consent to:

• Receiving services via secure video or phone technology
• The inherent limitations and risks of telehealth, including technology failures
• Your responsibility to ensure a private, appropriate environment during sessions
• The fact that telehealth may not be appropriate for all clinical situations
• Sessions not being recorded without your explicit written consent

4. DOT SAP Services

DOT Substance Abuse Professional evaluations and return-to-duty services are conducted in accordance with 49 CFR Part 40. By engaging in SAP services, you acknowledge:

• The SAP's role is to evaluate and make recommendations — not to advocate for any particular outcome
• Required disclosures to DOT-regulated employers and Medical Review Officers are mandated by federal law
• Completion of the SAP process does not guarantee return to safety-sensitive duties
• All fees for SAP evaluations are the responsibility of the employee unless otherwise arranged

5. Fees and Payment

Service fees are discussed and agreed upon prior to the start of services. Payment is due at the time of service unless other arrangements have been made in writing. We reserve the right to change our fees with reasonable advance notice.

We may or may not accept insurance. Please contact us directly to discuss payment options. Returned payments or chargebacks may result in suspension of services and additional fees.

6. Cancellation Policy

We ask that you provide at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Late cancellations or no-shows may be subject to a cancellation fee as outlined in your client services agreement. Repeated cancellations may affect your ability to schedule future appointments.

7. Limitations of Services

Our services are not a substitute for emergency mental health care. We do not provide:

• Crisis intervention or 24/7 emergency services
• Psychiatric medication management or prescriptions
• Inpatient or residential treatment
• Services to clients located outside California

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), go to your nearest emergency room, or call 911.

8. Website Use

The content on this website is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You agree not to:

• Use the website for any unlawful purpose
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the website or its systems
• Reproduce, distribute, or commercially exploit website content without written permission
• Submit false or misleading information through any contact form

9. Intellectual Property

All content on this website — including text, graphics, logos, and design — is the property of Next Opportunity Counseling and is protected by applicable copyright and intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce or use any content without our prior written consent.

10. Disclaimer of Warranties

This website and its content are provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, express or implied. We do not warrant that the website will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free of viruses. We make no representations about the accuracy or completeness of any information on the site.

11. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by California law, Next Opportunity Counseling shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from your use of this website or our services. Our total liability for any claim shall not exceed the amount paid by you for the specific service giving rise to the claim.

12. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any disputes arising under these Terms shall be resolved in the courts of California.

13. Changes to These Terms

We reserve the right to update these Terms at any time. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision. Continued use of our website or services after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated Terms.

14. Contact Us

Questions about these Terms? Please reach out: