Patient Information • Policies • Reno, Nevada

Clinical Policies

This page explains how Reno Treatment & Recovery approaches confidentiality, communication, scheduling, and professional boundaries. The goal is to help you understand what to expect before your first appointment and how care is delivered with professionalism, discretion, and respect for privacy.

Our Clinical Approach

Reno Treatment & Recovery provides outpatient counseling and substance use–related services for adults seeking support, assessment, and practical recovery guidance. Care is grounded in clinical ethics, privacy protections, and evidence-informed approaches that respect the dignity of each person seeking help.

Our work focuses on clarity, stability, and practical next steps. Some individuals come to counseling during periods of significant stress or life transition, while others seek structured support around substance use concerns or recovery planning. Each situation is approached with professionalism, discretion, and respect for the individual circumstances that bring someone to care.

Services are provided in Reno, Nevada and support individuals throughout Washoe County, including clients living in Midtown, South Reno, Sparks, and surrounding communities.

Our Clinical Team

Reno Treatment & Recovery is led by licensed clinicians committed to ethical care, professional accountability, and evidence-informed practice. Each clinician maintains active licensure with their respective Nevada regulatory board.

Chad Kirkland, CADC-S

I’m Chad Kirkland, a Licensed CADC serving Reno, Nevada. I’ve spent more than five years working with individuals and families affected by substance use and co-occurring concerns. My work focuses on practical recovery planning, structured assessment, and helping clients understand the next steps available to them.

Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Supervisor (CADC-S), Nevada License #06847-C, and Supervisor of Alcohol and Drug Counselor Interns, Nevada License #08159-S, through the Nevada State Board of Examiners for Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Counselors.

Susan Mary Chappell, LCSW

Susan provides compassionate, steady clinical counseling for adults navigating substance use concerns, stress, and major life transitions. Her approach is both warm and structured, helping people feel safe, understood, and clear on next steps while keeping care grounded in evidence, professionalism, and confidentiality.

Susan Mary Chappell is licensed by the Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers. LCSW License #4047-C • Issued 07/16/2001 • Expires 01/31/2027 • Status: Current.

License verification can be completed through the Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers online verification system by searching the name “Susan Mary Chappell.”

Professional Standard: All services are delivered in accordance with the ethical standards and regulatory requirements of the Nevada State Board of Examiners for Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Counselors and the Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers.

This is general information; specific needs and safety concerns should be discussed with a qualified professional.

Confidentiality and Privacy

Confidentiality is a core principle of counseling and recovery services. Health information may be protected by federal privacy laws including HIPAA. Substance use treatment records may also receive additional protection under federal regulation 42 CFR Part 2 when applicable.

In most situations, information about services is not disclosed without your written authorization. If coordination with another provider, attorney, court, or family member is requested, a release of information will be reviewed and documented first.

  • Minimum necessary information: only information required for the specific purpose is shared.
  • Community discretion: if we encounter one another in public settings in Reno or Washoe County, clinicians will not initiate contact.
  • Professional records: documentation is maintained according to ethical and regulatory standards.

Limits of Confidentiality

While confidentiality protections are strong, there are specific situations where disclosure may be required or permitted by law.

  • Imminent risk of harm to yourself or another person
  • Situations involving abuse or neglect that must be reported under law
  • Valid court orders or legal mandates
  • Medical safety concerns requiring referral or emergency support

When appropriate, clinicians will discuss these situations with you before taking action whenever possible.

Communication and Website Forms

Communication outside scheduled appointments is intended primarily for scheduling and coordination.

  • Appointment scheduling or rescheduling
  • Directions, parking, or office logistics
  • General service questions

Do not include sensitive medical or legal details in website forms. Email and electronic communication may not be fully private depending on device settings and service providers.

Emergency Situations

Reno Treatment & Recovery is not an emergency service provider. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

  • National crisis support is available by calling or texting 988.
  • If withdrawal symptoms are possible, seek medical evaluation promptly.
  • Weather and winter road conditions in Reno may affect travel planning for appointments.

Scheduling and Attendance

Consistent attendance supports continuity of care. If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please provide notice as early as possible.

  • Late arrivals may shorten the available session time.
  • Repeated missed appointments may affect future scheduling availability.
  • Scheduling policies are reviewed during intake.

Questions and Policy Updates

If you have questions about any policy listed on this page, please ask during scheduling or intake so expectations are clear.

  • Policies may be updated periodically to reflect regulatory or operational changes.
  • Clinicians are available to clarify how confidentiality or communication policies apply to your situation.

Last updated: 2026-03-04

Clinical Standards and Professional Frameworks

Care at Reno Treatment & Recovery is informed by established clinical standards used throughout behavioral health and addiction treatment. These frameworks help guide assessment, documentation, and care planning.

  • ASAM Criteria
    Placement and level-of-care guidance used to support consistent evaluation and care planning across substance use treatment settings.
  • DSM-5-TR Standards
    Diagnostic reference used across behavioral health to document substance use disorder criteria when clinically appropriate.
  • IC&RC Competencies
    National certification competency frameworks that inform addiction counselor training, ethics, and professional practice standards.

These frameworks support consistent clinical decision-making and help ensure services align with recognized professional guidelines used throughout addiction treatment and behavioral health.