Terms and Conditions

Effective Date: May 11, 2026

Welcome to Melissa Tith, LCSW (“Practice,” “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us”). These Terms and Conditions govern your use of our services, website, educational content, consultations, therapy services, and babywearing support.

By accessing our services, scheduling appointments, attending consultations, purchasing products or educational materials, or using our website, you agree to the following Terms and Conditions.

1. Business Description

Melissa Tith, LCSW provides a combination of:

• Mental health and wellness services

• Therapy and counseling services (where applicable and licensed)

• Parent support services

• Babywearing education and consultations

• Educational workshops and classes

• Community support resources

• Product recommendations and fit assistance

• Online educational content

Services may be provided in person, virtually, or through digital platforms.

2. Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old to consent to services. Minors may participate in services only with the consent of a parent or legal guardian.

By using our services, you represent that:

• The information you provide is accurate

• You are legally able to consent to services

• You understand the limitations of educational and consultation services

3. Therapy Services

3.1 Scope of Therapy Services

Therapy services are provided only by appropriately licensed professionals operating within the scope of their licensure and in accordance with applicable California laws and regulations.

Therapy services may include:

• Individual counseling

• Perinatal mental health support

• Parenting support

• Psychoeducation

• Emotional wellness support

Therapy services do not guarantee specific outcomes.

3.2 Emergency Services

Our practice is not a crisis or emergency service provider.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, mental health crisis, or safety concern, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

You may also contact:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

• Local emergency services

• Your physician

Messages sent through email, contact forms, or social media are not monitored continuously and should not be used for emergencies.

3.3 Client Responsibilities

Clients are responsible for:

• Providing accurate health and contact information

• Attending appointments on time

• Participating honestly in services

• Following recommendations from qualified healthcare providers

• Maintaining appropriate boundaries with staff and practitioners

3.4 Confidentiality

Therapy services are confidential subject to limitations required by law, including but not limited to:

• Suspected abuse or neglect

• Danger to self or others

• Court orders or legal requirements

• Insurance or billing requirements

Additional privacy practices are described in our Privacy Policy and informed consent documents.

4. Babywearing Consultation Services

4.1 Educational Nature of Services

Babywearing consultations are educational and supportive in nature.

Consultations may include:

• Carrier fitting assistance

• Instruction on safe babywearing techniques

• Troubleshooting fit and comfort concerns

• Education regarding ergonomics and positioning

• Product demonstrations

• Educational classes or workshops

Babywearing consultations are not medical services and do not replace medical advice.

Clients should consult their physician, pediatrician, or other healthcare provider regarding medical concerns.

4.2 Assumption of Risk

Babywearing involves inherent risks including, but not limited to:

• Falls

• Suffocation hazards

• Improper positioning

• Injury to caregiver or child

• Discomfort or strain

By participating in babywearing services, you voluntarily assume all risks associated with babywearing activities.

4.3 Safe Use Responsibility

Clients remain solely responsible for:

• Inspecting carriers and equipment before use

• Following manufacturer instructions

• Monitoring infant airway and positioning

• Using products appropriately

• Determining whether babywearing is suitable for themselves and their child

We do not guarantee the safety, suitability, or effectiveness of any specific carrier or technique.

4.4 Product Recommendations

Recommendations regarding carriers or products are based on general educational considerations and client-reported needs.

We are not responsible for manufacturer defects, recalls, misuse, or injuries related to third-party products.

5. Combined Wellness and Educational Services

Some services may combine therapeutic support, parenting education, community support, or babywearing education.

Educational support should not be interpreted as:

• Medical diagnosis

• Physical therapy

• Occupational therapy

• Legal advice

• Psychiatric treatment

• Emergency intervention

Clients are encouraged to maintain relationships with their own healthcare providers.

6. Scheduling and Appointments

6.1 Appointment Booking

Appointments may be scheduled online, by phone, or through approved communication methods.

We reserve the right to decline or discontinue services at our discretion, subject to applicable law and ethical obligations.

6.2 Late Arrivals

Late arrivals may result in shortened sessions.

If a client arrives excessively late, the appointment may be canceled and treated as a missed appointment.

6.3 Cancellation Policy

Clients must provide at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling.

Late cancellations or missed appointments may be subject to fees.

Exceptions may be made for emergencies at our discretion.

7. Payment Terms

7.1 Fees

Fees for services are listed on our website or provided before services begin.

Fees are subject to change with notice.

7.2 Payment

Payment is due at the time of service unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Accepted payment methods may include:

• Credit or debit cards

• Electronic payments

• Cash

• Approved payment platforms

7.3 Insurance

Insurance is not accepted for services.

7.4 Refunds

Fees for completed services are generally non-refundable.

Refunds for classes, workshops, or products are governed by separate policies where applicable.

8. Telehealth and Virtual Services

Virtual services may be provided through secure platforms.

By participating in telehealth or virtual services, you acknowledge:

• Technology failures may occur

• Electronic communications may carry privacy risks

• You are responsible for maintaining a private environment when possible

• You are physically located in a jurisdiction where the provider is authorized to practice if receiving therapy services

9. Intellectual Property

All website content, educational materials, handouts, graphics, videos, logos, and written materials are the property of Melissa Tith, LCSW unless otherwise noted.

You may not:

• Reproduce materials without permission

• Record sessions without consent

• Distribute proprietary materials

• Use our content for commercial purposes

Limited personal, non-commercial use is permitted.

10. Website and Online Use

Users agree not to:

• Use the website unlawfully

• Attempt unauthorized access to systems

• Upload harmful code

• Harass staff or other users

• Post defamatory or abusive content

We reserve the right to restrict access to our website or online platforms.

11. Social Media and Communication Boundaries

Following or interacting with our social media accounts does not establish a therapeutic relationship.

For privacy and ethical reasons:

• We may not respond to direct messages regarding clinical matters

• Public comments may not receive responses

• Clients should avoid sharing confidential information online

Email and text messaging may not be fully secure.

12. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Melissa Tith, LCSW, its owners, contractors, employees, volunteers, and affiliates shall not be liable for:

• Indirect or consequential damages

• Injuries related to babywearing activities

• Decisions made based on educational content

• Technology interruptions

• Emotional distress arising from services

• Product defects from third-party manufacturers

Our total liability shall not exceed the amount paid for the specific service giving rise to the claim.

13. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Melissa Tith, LCSW, its staff, contractors, volunteers, and affiliates from claims, liabilities, damages, and expenses arising from:

• Your misuse of services

• Violation of these Terms

• Improper use of babywearing equipment

• Violation of laws or third-party rights

14. No Guarantees

We do not guarantee:

• Therapeutic outcomes

• Parenting outcomes

• Babywearing comfort or success

• Specific emotional, physical, or developmental results

Each individual and family experience is unique.

15. Termination of Services

We reserve the right to terminate or refuse services for reasons including:

• Nonpayment

• Inappropriate behavior

• Safety concerns

• Repeated missed appointments

• Scope-of-practice limitations

• Ethical or legal considerations

Clients may discontinue services at any time, subject to outstanding balances.

16. Privacy

Use of our services is also governed by our Privacy Policy and, where applicable, HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices.

Clients should review those documents carefully.

17. Governing Law

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

Any disputes arising under these Terms shall be handled in the appropriate courts located in California.

18. Severability

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

19. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms and Conditions periodically.

Updated versions will be posted on our website with a revised effective date.

Continued use of services constitutes acceptance of updated Terms.

20. Contact Information

Melissa Tith, LCSW

melissatithlcsw@gmail.com

melissatithlcsw.squarespace.com

Acknowledgment

By using our services, attending appointments, participating in consultations, or accessing our website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.

Important Note

This template is for general informational purposes only and should be reviewed by a California attorney familiar with:

• Mental health practices

• HIPAA compliance

• Telehealth regulations

• Liability waivers

• Child-related services

• California consumer protection laws

• Babywearing or educational service liability