Legal & Policies

Licensure, Supervision & Professional Affiliation

Sunny M. Rourke, LAC (AZ), NCC
Licensed Associate Counselor — Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (License #LAC-23285)

Sunny Rourke Counseling operates independently while maintaining an office within Healing Hearts Counseling in Gilbert, AZ.

As a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC), Sunny practices under clinical supervision provided by a licensed independent behavioral health professional, in alignment with the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (AZBBHE) and the American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics.

Therapy services are available in-person in Gilbert, Arizona and via secure telehealth for residents throughout the state of Arizona.

Privacy & Confidentiality

Your privacy is protected by both law and professional ethics. All information shared in therapy is confidential under HIPAA, the ACA Code of Ethics, and AZBBHE regulations.

Confidentiality may only be broken when required by law, including:

  • If there is risk of harm to yourself or someone else

  • If there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or vulnerable adult

  • If records are subpoenaed by a court of law

These exceptions are rare. Whenever possible, any necessary disclosures will be discussed with you first. Client records are stored securely within SimplePractice, a HIPAA-compliant system.

Telehealth & Technology Policy

Telehealth sessions are provided through SimplePractice, which meets HIPAA security standards. Please ensure you are in a private, quiet space for each session to support confidentiality and focus.

If technical difficulties occur, the session will be paused and resumed once stable. If the issue prevents continuation, we will reschedule or adjust the fee as appropriate.

Recording Sessions

Sessions are not recorded unless you have given explicit written consent. In rare cases, recordings may be used for professional supervision or training purposes. In these cases:

  • You will be fully informed and asked to sign a Recording Consent Form.

  • Recordings are stored securely and permanently deleted once no longer needed.

  • You may decline or withdraw consent at any time without penalty.

Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy

Your appointment time is reserved specifically for you. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please provide at least 24 hours’ notice to avoid being charged the full session fee.

  • Late cancellations or missed sessions may be billed in full.

  • Exceptions are made for emergencies or sudden illness.

  • Frequent cancellations may affect scheduling availability

Communication Policy

You are welcome to contact me between sessions for scheduling or brief logistical needs. Communication methods include phone, text, or email; however, these are not fully secure, so clinical matters should be discussed through your SimplePractice portal or in session.

Messages are checked during regular business hours. Responses are typically sent within two business days. Text and email are not monitored for emergencies.

Good Faith Estimate & Fees

Session Fees

  • 50-minute sessions: $165

  • Extended sessions: Available upon request (prorated rate)

  • Sliding scale: Limited spots for those with financial hardship

Payment is due at the time of service via credit/debit or HSA/FSA card through SimplePractice.

Under the No Surprises Act, clients not using insurance are entitled to receive a Good Faith Estimate of expected costs. This document is provided after intake paperwork and before ongoing therapy begins, outlining session rates, frequency, and projected total costs.

Learn more at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Out-of-Network Reimbursement

Sunny Rourke Counseling is a private pay practice and does not bill insurance directly. If your insurance includes out-of-network mental health benefits, you may request a superbill to submit for possible reimbursement. Please confirm your plan’s benefits before starting therapy.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Sunny Rourke Counseling welcomes all individuals. Services are provided without discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or socioeconomic status—in full compliance with the ACA Code of Ethics and AZBBHE standards.

Emergency & Crisis Disclaimer

Sunny Rourke Counseling is not an emergency or crisis service. If you need immediate help, please contact:

  • 988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7)

  • 911 — For immediate emergency response

  • Empact Crisis Line (AZ): 480-784-1500

  • Text HOME to 741741 — To connect with a trained crisis counselor

  • Or go to your nearest emergency department.

Website Disclaimer

This website and all related content are for informational and educational purposes only. Visiting or reading this site does not create a therapist–client relationship. Therapy outcomes vary by individual; no guarantees are made or implied. To inquire about services, please schedule a consultation.