Terms and Conditions

TERMS OF SERVICE

Effective Date: February 18, 2026

1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to the website of Dr. Carol L. Tessler, Psy.D. (“Practice,” “we,” “our,” or “us”).

By accessing or using this website, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use this website.

2. No Therapist–Client Relationship

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only.

Viewing this website, submitting a contact form, sending an email, or leaving a voicemail does not establish a therapist–client relationship.

A therapeutic relationship is formed only after:

  • Completion of required intake documentation
  • Review of informed consent
  • Mutual agreement to begin treatment

Until such time, no professional relationship exists.

3. Not for Emergencies

This website, email, and voicemail are not monitored 24 hours a day and are not appropriate for emergency situations.

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, are in crisis, or believe you may harm yourself or others:

  • Call 911
  • Go to the nearest emergency room
  • Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)

Do not rely on this website for urgent assistance.

4. Illinois Practice Limitation

Dr. Tessler is licensed to practice psychology in the State of Illinois.

Psychotherapy services are provided only to individuals who are physically located in Illinois at the time of service.

If you are located outside of Illinois, services cannot be provided.

5. Telehealth Services

All services are provided via secure telehealth platforms.

Telehealth services are subject to:

  • Technological limitations
  • Internet connectivity issues
  • Platform security protocols

By choosing telehealth services, clients acknowledge and accept the inherent risks associated with electronic communication technologies.

Specific telehealth consent forms are provided during intake.

6. Electronic Communications

Standard email (including doctessler@icloud.com), website contact forms, and SMS text messaging are not fully secure methods of communication.

By contacting the Practice electronically, you acknowledge and accept the potential privacy risks involved.

Please do not include detailed medical or mental health information in initial email or website communications.

Secure communication methods will be discussed once a therapeutic relationship is established.

7. SMS Appointment Reminders

If you provide your phone number, you may receive appointment reminders or administrative communications via SMS.

Message and data rates may apply.

You may opt out of SMS communications at any time by notifying the Practice.

SMS messaging is not appropriate for emergency communication or clinical discussions.

8. Insurance and Medicare Disclaimer

The Practice may participate with Medicare and other insurance plans.

Verification of benefits does not guarantee coverage or payment.

Coverage, eligibility, and reimbursement are determined solely by your insurance plan and applicable Medicare regulations.

Clients are responsible for payment of all non-covered services, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance amounts.

9. Website Content Disclaimer

The content on this website is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Individual mental health needs vary, and information provided here may not apply to your specific situation.

Use of this website is at your own risk.

10. Intellectual Property

All website content, including text, graphics, logos, and materials, is the property of Dr. Carol L. Tessler unless otherwise noted.

Content may not be copied, reproduced, or distributed without written permission.

11. Third-Party Services

This website may use third-party services, including hosting providers, telehealth platforms, analytics tools, and scheduling systems.

The Practice is not responsible for the content, privacy policies, or practices of third-party websites or platforms.

12. Limitation of Liability

This website is provided “as is” without warranties of any kind, express or implied.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Practice disclaims liability for any damages arising from:

  • Use of the website
  • Inability to access the website
  • Reliance on website content
  • Technical errors or interruptions

13. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Illinois.

Any disputes arising from use of this website shall be resolved under Illinois law.

14. Changes to These Terms

The Practice reserves the right to modify these Terms of Service at any time.

Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.

Continued use of the website after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

15. Contact Information

For questions regarding these Terms of Service, you may contact:

Dr. Carol L. Tessler, Psy.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Serving Illinois via secure telehealth
Evanston, Illinois
Email: doctessler@icloud.com
Phone: (847) 920-4242
Mailing address available upon request.