Terms of Use

Last updated February 22, 2025

Terms & Conditions

The website www.therapybycat.com (hereinafter “Website”) is owned and operated by Catherine Alvarado, LMFT #134744, Owner and Clinical Supervisor of the private practice registered federally as Catherine Alvarado LMFT PC and in California as Catherine Alvarado, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Inc. For all public-facing purposes, including this Website, the practice operates under the name Catherine Alvarado, LMFT & Associates. Please read all Terms & Conditions before using our Website—by visiting and using this Website, you (hereinafter “visitor,” “you,” “your”) are consenting that you have read these Terms & Conditions and agree to be bound by them.

Use of Website

To access or use this Website, you must be at least 18 years of age and have the mental capacity to agree to these Terms of Use. By using this Website, you represent that you meet these requirements and accept these terms. If you are between the ages of 13 and 18, it is assumed that you are using the Website under the supervision and with the permission of a parent or legal guardian, who accepts full responsibility for your actions and well-being. These Terms of Use may be updated at any time without notice. It is your responsibility to review them periodically. Continued use of this Website confirms your acceptance of the Terms in their current form. If you do not agree with these Terms, please discontinue use of the Website and any related content. If you choose to begin therapy or become a client of the practice, our work together will be governed by the intake paperwork and signed client agreement. These documents will override the Terms outlined here with respect to your therapeutic relationship. These Website Terms apply solely to the use of this Website, associated social media platforms, and any initial, non-clinical communication.

Intellectual Property Rights

This Website contains original material created with care and intention. All such material constitutes intellectual property owned by us and is protected under U.S. copyright, trademark, and other applicable laws. This includes, but is not limited to: the Website design and layout, text, blog content, graphics, logos, photographs, color schemes, branding, and the arrangement of these elements (collectively, “Content”). Unauthorized use, reproduction, modification, distribution, sale, or exploitation of this Content without express written permission is strictly prohibited and may constitute a violation of intellectual property law. This includes assisting others in doing so or representing our Content as your own. If misuse is discovered or suspected, we reserve the right to revoke your access to the Website and any purchased materials without refund, and to take legal action as appropriate.

Licensee / Licensor Rights: Our Limited License to You

Visitors are granted a limited, revocable, non-transferable license to access and view the Content on this Website for personal, non-commercial use only. As a licensee, you agree that you will not:

  • Copy, modify, distribute, or use any Content from the Website without written permission.

  • Present our Content as your own or claim authorship.

  • Share purchased materials with others who have not purchased access.

  • Use any Content or materials from the Website for commercial gain.

Any unauthorized use may constitute intellectual property infringement under U.S. law and is grounds for revoking access without refund. We reserve the right to take legal action if necessary. To request written permission to use any material, email Catherine Alvarado, LMFT at therapybycat@gmail.com.

Licensee / Licensor Rights: Your License to Us

You may have opportunities to submit original content through our Website, email responses, blog comments, testimonials, photos, or social media interactions. By submitting content, you represent that you are the sole owner of the material and are at least 18 years old. By posting or submitting content, you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual, worldwide license to use, modify, reproduce, publish, distribute, and display the content, in whole or in part, for any purpose, with or without attribution. You also agree that we may identify you by name, screen name, or other reasonable identifier if we choose to provide attribution. You acknowledge that you are not entitled to compensation for any use of your content and that submission of content does not create any expectation of compensation or confidential treatment.

Testimonials

Our Website may include testimonials from clients or providers who have chosen to share their personal experiences with our services. These testimonials reflect individual experiences and are presented for informational purposes only. While the feedback shared is genuine and voluntarily provided, results described in testimonials are not guaranteed and may not reflect the typical experience. Every individual is different, and outcomes vary based on numerous factors including personal health history, therapeutic needs, and other circumstances. Testimonials should not be interpreted as promises of specific outcomes. Use of this information is voluntary and should not replace medical or therapeutic advice. Consult with a licensed professional before relying on any information found on this Website.

Your Conduct

By posting on our Website, social media pages, webinars, or any related platform, you agree not to submit any content that is defamatory, harmful, offensive, or disruptive to others. Content that includes hate speech, harassment, threats, or cyberbullying will be removed immediately, and we reserve the right to pursue appropriate legal action. You agree to use our Website for lawful purposes only. You will not post or transmit any content that:

  • Violates the rights of others (including intellectual property rights),

  • Constitutes a criminal or civil offense,

  • Is vulgar, obscene, or otherwise objectionable,

  • Is fraudulent, deceptive, or unlawful in nature.

We reserve the sole discretion to determine what constitutes objectionable content and may remove any such content without notice. If your actions result in a third-party legal claim, you agree to fully indemnify and hold us harmless from any related costs, liabilities, or damages.

Disclaimer

The content on this Website is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It includes information about our practice, therapy services, and related topics, but does not constitute professional, medical, legal, financial, or therapeutic advice. No guarantee is made regarding specific outcomes or results from using the information found on the Website, opting into email communications, or engaging in therapy. Any decision to act on information found here is made voluntarily and at your own discretion. You agree that the Website and related content should not be relied upon in place of direct consultation with qualified professionals such as a doctor, therapist, attorney, or financial advisor. By accessing or using the Website, you acknowledge and accept full responsibility for any consequences of that use. You agree to hold harmless Catherine Alvarado, LMFT, and Catherine Alvarado, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Inc. (federally registered as Catherine Alvarado LMFT PC and publicly known as Catherine Alvarado, LMFT & Associates) from any claims, losses, or damages related to your use of this Website or any information obtained through it.

Technology Disclaimer

By using this Website, you acknowledge and agree that Catherine Alvarado, LMFT and Catherine Alvarado, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Inc. (registered federally as Catherine Alvarado LMFT PC and publicly known as Catherine Alvarado, LMFT & Associates) do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free access to the Website. We do not warrant that the Website will be free from viruses or other harmful components, or that it will always be available or fully functional. Temporary interruptions may occur due to maintenance, system updates, technical issues, or other reasons. We are not liable for any losses, delays, or damages caused by the unavailability, malfunction, or discontinuation of all or any part of the Website. All Website content and services are provided “as is,” without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. We reserve the right to modify, limit, or discontinue any part of the Website or its content at any time without notice.

Information You Provide 

To access certain features of the Website—such as joining our email list or purchasing products or services—you may be asked to provide personal information, including your name, email address, billing details, and payment information. You may also be asked to create a username and password. You are solely responsible for safeguarding your login credentials and agree not to share this confidential information with others. Any consequences resulting from unauthorized use of your account are your responsibility. By submitting information through the Website or a third-party processor, you confirm that it is accurate, current, and belongs to you. You agree not to impersonate another person or use someone else’s information. You agree to be financially responsible for all purchases made through the Website, including those made by others acting on your behalf. If unauthorized payment activity is discovered, you remain responsible for the full payment unless otherwise determined by the payment processor or applicable law.

Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Catherine Alvarado, LMFT, and Catherine Alvarado, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Inc. (federally registered as Catherine Alvarado LMFT PC and publicly known as Catherine Alvarado, LMFT & Associates), along with our affiliates, contractors, and team members, from any claims, damages, liabilities, costs, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

  • Your use or misuse of this Website,

  • Your violation of these Terms,

  • Your infringement of any third-party rights.

If we are involved in any legal matter relating to your conduct or content, you agree to cooperate with our defense and provide documentation, testimony, or support at no cost to us. While we attempt to monitor comments and content submitted by third parties, we are not responsible for material posted by others. If you encounter objectionable content, you agree to notify us and not pursue claims against us for that material. You also agree to hold us harmless for any damages—direct or indirect, foreseeable or unforeseeable—that result from your reliance on Website content, whether created by us or by third parties.

Limitation of Liability

You understand and agree that all information provided on this Website is general in nature and may not be suitable for every person, business, or situation. Your decision to use any content, services, or products offered on the Website is entirely voluntary. We do not—and cannot—guarantee that the information is appropriate for your individual circumstances. By accessing or using this Website, you accept full responsibility for any outcomes or consequences. We are not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages related to your use of the Website, reliance on its content, or implementation of any information obtained here. This includes, but is not limited to, loss of income, mental or physical health outcomes, business results, or personal decisions. We expressly disclaim any and all warranties, whether express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, accuracy, or non-infringement. All Website content and services are provided “as is” and used at your own risk.

Release of Claims

You agree that under no circumstances shall Catherine Alvarado, LMFT, or Catherine Alvarado, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Inc. be held liable for any damages arising from your use of, or reliance on, this Website or any of its content. By accessing this Website, you voluntarily waive and release any and all present or future claims—whether known or unknown—related to your use of the Website or its materials.

Termination

We reserve the right to terminate or restrict your access to the Website at any time, for any reason, and without prior notice. If you have made a purchase and we determine you are entitled to continued access, we will provide that access in a manner we deem appropriate. You agree that such provision will be satisfactory and that no further claims or entitlements apply.

Dispute Resolution 

These Terms shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of California. In the event of any dispute arising out of your use of the Website or these Terms, you agree to first attempt to resolve the matter through informal discussion. If informal resolution fails, you agree to submit the matter to arbitration or another suitable form of alternative dispute resolution in Los Angeles County, California, and to be bound by the final decision of the selected neutral party. If any portion of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect. These Terms represent the full agreement between you and Catherine Alvarado, LMFT, regarding your use of the Website and supersede all prior communications, agreements, or understandings. No waiver of any part of these Terms shall be valid unless made in writing.

No Surprises Act – Good Faith Estimate (GFE)

In accordance with the No Surprises Act, clients have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) that outlines the expected costs of therapy services. This estimate is based on the provider’s standard fees and the anticipated frequency of services. For example, if individual therapy is billed at $250 per session and a client attends four sessions per month, the estimated monthly cost would be $1,000. However, actual costs may vary depending on session length, provider rate, and changes in treatment needs. The GFE is not a contract and does not obligate clients to a specific number of sessions. Charges only apply for attended sessions, unless there is a no-show or late cancellation (within the 48-hour window). A personalized GFE can be provided upon request at any time.

Social Media Policy

Our practice and individual therapists may maintain professional social media accounts to share updates, promote services, and provide educational content. While you are welcome to follow or engage with these accounts, please review the following guidelines:

  • Therapists will not accept “friend” requests from current or former clients on personal social media platforms, as doing so may compromise confidentiality and blur professional boundaries.

  • Interactions such as “likes,” “follows,” or comments may be visible to others and could inadvertently disclose your status as a client or follower. Please use discretion and consider your own comfort level when engaging publicly.

  • Therapists are not permitted to follow you back, like your posts, or comment in ways that may constitute a dual relationship.

  • Please do not use social media to initiate or conduct conversations about therapy or personal concerns. We will not respond to messages or comments intended for private discussion.

  • If you choose to leave a review of your experience, please understand this is entirely voluntary and unsolicited. Due to ethical and legal standards, we cannot publicly respond to reviews from current or former clients. If you have concerns about your care, you may contact us directly or reach out to the appropriate licensing board.

Insurance Information 

Our practice operates as an out-of-network provider with PPO insurance plans. A monthly superbill is available for clients who wish to submit claims for potential reimbursement through their insurance provider. Clients are responsible for paying the full session fee at the time of service, regardless of insurance coverage or reimbursement. It is the client's responsibility to verify out-of-network benefits in advance, as reimbursement is not guaranteed. We cannot confirm or guarantee any reimbursement outcomes and are not responsible for how insurance carriers process claims.

Conclusion

If you have any questions regarding these Terms of Use, please contact Catherine Alvarado, LMFT at therapybycat@gmail.com.