Terms and Conditions

Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Last Updated: January 1, 2026

Welcome to Actualize Being. These Terms and Conditions govern your use of our website (www.actualizebeing.com) and the professional services provided by Vineel Maharaj, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #123091 ("Therapist," "we," "us," or "our").

By accessing our website or engaging our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully.

1. Services Provided

1.1 Therapy Services

We provide psychotherapy services to adults (18+) residing in California. Services are delivered via secure online video sessions. Our therapy practice specializes in working with high-achieving professionals experiencing anxiety, burnout, imposter syndrome, workplace stress, and related mental health concerns.

1.2 Coaching Services

We offer professional coaching services focused on career development, leadership, and performance optimization. Coaching is distinct from therapy and does not constitute mental health treatment.

1.3 Media and Educational Content

We produce educational content, including videos, articles, and social media posts, intended for general informational purposes only. This content does not establish a therapeutic relationship and should not be considered professional advice for your specific situation.

2. No Therapeutic Relationship Through Website

Visiting this website, consuming our content, or communicating via email or contact forms does not establish a therapist-client relationship. A formal therapeutic relationship begins only when:

  • You have completed a consultation

  • We have mutually agreed to work together

  • You have signed all required intake paperwork

  • You have scheduled and attended your first official therapy session

3. Eligibility and Scope of Practice

3.1 Geographic Limitations

Therapy services are available only to individuals physically located in California at the time of each session. You must be a California resident or temporarily staying in California for the duration of treatment.

3.2 Age Requirements

Our services are designed for adults 18 years of age and older.

3.3 Clinical Limitations

Our practice is not equipped to provide:

  • Emergency or crisis intervention services

  • Medication management or prescription services

  • Court-ordered evaluations or treatment

  • Forensic evaluations or testimony

  • Services for individuals experiencing acute psychosis, active suicidal ideation with plan and intent, or substance withdrawal requiring medical supervision

If your needs exceed our scope of practice, we will provide appropriate referrals.

4. Fees and Payment

4.1 Session Fees

Current fees for services are provided during the initial consultation and confirmed in your intake paperwork. Fees are subject to change with 30 days' notice to current clients.

4.2 Payment Terms

  • Payment is due at the time of service

  • We accept credit cards, debit cards, and HSA/FSA cards

  • You are responsible for all fees regardless of insurance reimbursement

4.3 Insurance

We are not in-network with any insurance companies. We are considered an out-of-network provider. Upon request, we will provide you with a monthly superbill that you may submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. We cannot guarantee insurance reimbursement, and you remain responsible for the full session fee.

4.4 Late Payment

Accounts more than 30 days past due may result in suspension of services. We reserve the right to use collection services or legal action to recover unpaid fees. You will be responsible for all collection costs, including reasonable attorney fees.

5. Scheduling and Cancellation Policy

5.1 Appointment Scheduling

Sessions are scheduled by mutual agreement. You are responsible for remembering your appointment times.

5.2 Cancellation Policy

  • You must provide at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule

  • Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the scheduled appointment time will be charged the full session fee

  • No-shows (failure to attend without notice) will be charged the full session fee

  • Emergency exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis

5.3 Therapist Cancellations

If we must cancel an appointment, you will not be charged, and we will make reasonable efforts to reschedule at your earliest convenience.

5.4 Late Arrival

Sessions will end at the scheduled time regardless of late arrival. You will be charged for the full session.

6. Communication and Availability

6.1 Between-Session Contact

  • Email and text communication should be limited to scheduling and brief administrative matters

  • We typically respond to non-urgent messages within 24-48 business hours

  • For urgent clinical needs between sessions, please call and leave a voicemail

6.2 Emergency Situations

Our practice does not provide emergency or crisis services. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or crisis:

  • Call 911 immediately

  • Go to your nearest emergency room

  • Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

  • Text HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line

  • Call the SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357

Do not use email, text, or voicemail to communicate about emergencies.

6.3 Technology and Platform

Sessions are conducted via secure, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing. You are responsible for:

  • Ensuring a stable internet connection

  • Using a private, confidential location for sessions

  • Having a functioning device with camera and microphone

  • Understanding that technical issues may occasionally interrupt service

We are not responsible for technical failures outside our control.

7. Confidentiality and Privacy

7.1 HIPAA Compliance

We comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and maintain strict confidentiality of all protected health information. Please review our Privacy Policy for detailed information about how we collect, use, and protect your personal and health information.

7.2 Limits of Confidentiality

California law and professional ethics require or permit disclosure of confidential information in specific circumstances, including:

  • When you provide written authorization

  • When there is reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or dependent adult

  • When you present a serious danger of violence to yourself or others

  • When a court orders disclosure

  • When necessary for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations

  • When required by law or legal process

8. Client Responsibilities

You agree to:

  • Provide accurate and complete information about your mental health history

  • Inform us of any changes to your contact information, medications, or healthcare providers

  • Actively participate in your treatment

  • Complete any assigned therapeutic homework or exercises

  • Attend sessions from a private location in California

  • Notify us immediately if you leave California during the course of treatment

  • Pay all fees on time

  • Provide honest feedback about your therapeutic experience

9. Termination of Services

9.1 Client-Initiated Termination

You may terminate therapy at any time. We encourage at least one termination session to process the ending and discuss next steps.

9.2 Therapist-Initiated Termination

We may terminate the therapeutic relationship if:

  • You violate these Terms and Conditions

  • You fail to pay for services

  • You engage in threatening, abusive, or inappropriate behavior

  • Your needs exceed our scope of practice

  • A conflict of interest develops

  • You relocate outside of California

  • You are not benefiting from treatment

We will provide appropriate notice and referrals when possible.

9.3 Final Session and Records

Upon termination, you may request copies of your records according to California law. A final invoice will be provided for any outstanding balances.

10. Telehealth Specific Terms

10.1 Nature of Telehealth

Online therapy has benefits and limitations compared to in-person treatment. Benefits include convenience and accessibility. Limitations include potential technology failures, reduced ability to observe nonverbal cues, and emergency response constraints.

10.2 Consent to Telehealth

By engaging in telehealth services, you acknowledge:

  • You understand the nature of telehealth services

  • You consent to receive services via video conferencing

  • You understand the limitations of telehealth

  • You have been informed of alternative in-person options

10.3 Location Requirements

You must be physically located in California during all sessions and must inform us immediately if you leave the state.

11. Intellectual Property

11.1 Website Content

All content on this website, including text, graphics, logos, videos, and images, is the property of Actualize Being and protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

11.2 Limited License

You are granted a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access and use the website for personal, non-commercial purposes. You may not:

  • Copy, modify, distribute, or republish content without written permission

  • Use content for commercial purposes

  • Remove copyright or proprietary notices

  • Frame or link to the website in a way that suggests endorsement

11.3 User-Generated Content

If you submit testimonials, reviews, or other content, you grant us a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, and display such content for marketing purposes.

12. Website Use and Conduct

You agree not to:

  • Use the website for any illegal purpose

  • Transmit viruses, malware, or harmful code

  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems

  • Interfere with the proper functioning of the website

  • Harass, abuse, or harm others

  • Impersonate any person or entity

  • Collect information about other users

13. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the content, privacy practices, or terms of service of any third-party sites. We do not endorse or guarantee any third-party products or services.

14. Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability

14.1 No Guarantees

We cannot guarantee specific outcomes from therapy or coaching. Mental health treatment involves your active participation, and results vary based on individual circumstances, commitment, and other factors outside our control.

14.2 Professional Judgment

All clinical decisions are made using professional judgment based on current best practices. We do not promise or guarantee that therapy will solve all your problems or prevent all negative outcomes.

14.3 Website Disclaimer

The website and all 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.

14.4 Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, we shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of our services or website. Our total liability shall not exceed the amount you paid for services in the 12 months preceding any claim.

14.5 Educational Content Disclaimer

Educational content, videos, articles, and social media posts are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice. This content should not replace consultation with a qualified mental health professional.

15. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Actualize Being, Vineel Maharaj, and our affiliates from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

  • Your violation of these Terms and Conditions

  • Your violation of any law or third-party rights

  • Your use of our services or website

16. Record Retention

Clinical records are maintained in accordance with California law and professional standards. We retain records for a minimum of 7 years from the last date of service, or until you reach age 25 (whichever is later) if you are a minor at the time of treatment.

17. Complaints and Grievances

If you have concerns about our services, we encourage you to discuss them directly with us. If you believe we have engaged in unprofessional conduct, you may file a complaint with:

California Board of Behavioral Sciences
1625 North Market Blvd, Suite S-200
Sacramento, CA 95834
Phone: (916) 574-7830
Website: www.bbs.ca.gov

18. Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to the website. Your continued use of our services or website after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified terms. We will make reasonable efforts to notify current clients of material changes.

19. Severability

If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

20. Entire Agreement

These Terms and Conditions, together with our Privacy Policy and any signed service agreements, constitute the entire agreement between you and Actualize Being regarding the use of our services and website.

21. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

21.1 Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by the laws of the State of California without regard to conflict of law principles.

21.2 Arbitration

Any dispute arising from these terms shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association, conducted in California. You waive the right to participate in class actions.

21.3 Exceptions

Either party may seek injunctive relief in court for intellectual property violations or to enforce confidentiality obligations.

22. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact:

Actualize Being
Vineel Maharaj, LMFT #123091
Contact me
Website: www.actualizebeing.com

23. Acknowledgment

By using our website or engaging our services, you acknowledge that:

  • You have read and understood these Terms and Conditions

  • You agree to be bound by these terms

  • You have had the opportunity to ask questions and seek independent advice

  • You understand the nature, limitations, and risks of therapy and telehealth services

Professional Credentials:
Vineel Maharaj, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
California License #123091
National Provider Number (NPI): 1205280575

These Terms and Conditions protect both you and our practice. We encourage you to read them carefully and contact us with any questions before engaging our services.