Purpose
This guideline outlines expectations for Rula therapists regarding the transfer of clients from Rula to external services or private practices. It is intended to protect client autonomy and therapeutic continuity while ensuring ethical and contractual adherence by therapists working within Rula’s clinical network.
1. Ethical Standards and Platform Integrity
Rula dedicates substantial resources to client care, including:
- Marketing and outreach
- Pre-screening and intake processes
- Insurance benefits verification
- Administrative and billing services
To safeguard the integrity of these investments and the client’s therapy experience, therapists may not transfer Rula-referred clients to external platforms or their private practices. Doing so violates the contractual terms agreed upon at the start of engagement with Rula.
2. Client Choice and Autonomy
Clients have the right to:
- Freely choose their mental health provider
- Transition to services outside of Rula without coercion or encouragement
If a client independently seeks care from a Rula-affiliated therapist outside the platform, the therapist may accept them into their external practice, provided:
- The client’s decision is self-initiated
- The transition benefits the client
- There is no solicitation from the therapist
3. Therapist Autonomy and Multi-Platform Work
Therapists are free to:
- Work on multiple therapy platforms or private practices concurrently
- Continue seeing their Rula clients through Rula, even while practicing elsewhere
However, they must not redirect Rula clients to other platforms or practices.
4. Client Transitions and External Referrals
If a therapist exits the Rula network:
- Rula’s Support Team will assist clients in transitioning to another provider within the platform
If a client requests a referral outside of Rula:
- Therapists must provide at least three referral options, ideally aligned with the client’s insurance and care needs
- Therapists may include themselves on the referral list only with the client’s consent
- The risks and benefits of leaving Rula must be clearly explained and documented, including:
- Possible insurance complications (e.g., Medicaid self-pay risks)
- Loss of platform-supported benefits
- Gaps in care continuity
Documentation of this discussion and decision-making must be entered into the client’s Rula chart prior to discharge.
5. Prohibited Practices
The following actions are strictly prohibited:
- Actively soliciting Rula clients to leave the platform
- Encouraging clients to discontinue care with Rula in favor of personal/private services
- Recommending off-platform services unless the request is client-initiated
- Prioritizing therapist financial gain over client welfare in transition discussions
These may create significant risk for clients, which is not aligned with Rula’s mission or approach to care.
6. Enforcement and Compliance
Violations of this policy will result in:
- Review and investigation by Rula’s Clinical Quality and Compliance teams
- Potential termination of the therapist’s relationship with Rula
Updated