Group Rules

At Emerge, our main group rule involves practicing respectful communication. We expect each group member to communicate with us about not only what is going on in their relationship, but also to let us know about absences and payment of fees. The specific group rules are listed below.

ATTENDANCE:

We expect every group member to attend every group session. We understand that may not always be possible due to illness, transportation issues, work and other things that might come up during the 40 sessions.

If you are going to have to miss a group session, we expect that you call us (or e-mail us) before the group and let us know you cannot attend. We allow ONE absence every eight weeks for which we will consider not charging you. A second absence within an eight week period will be charged at your regular group rate.

A THIRD absence within an eight week period could result in an attendance contract or your case being closed at Emerge. This decision will be based on whether you have been communicating with us on a regular basis, and we will take life circumstances into consideration.

As the Boston area is known for having particularly difficult transportation issues, Emerge allows a 15-minute grace period for group attendance. What this means is that as long as you are in the group no more than 15 minutes late, there is no penalty. However, if you are more than 15 minutes late (but less than 30 minutes), you will receive a "no-credit," which will mean that you can attend the session, but will not receive credit toward the 40-session requirement. You will be charged for "no-show" sessions whether or not you decide to stay. Group participants more than 30-minutes late will not be allowed to attend.

FEE PAYMENT:

We expect group members to pay their balance weekly. You may not fall behind more than TWO group payments. If you fall behind more than two group payments, you may not be allowed to attend group sessions until your balance is paid.

If you pay by check, there is a $20 fee if a check bounces, and you will be unable to write checks the rest of your time at Emerge.

Group fees are based on a sliding-fee scale, which is determined after program orientation by a group supervisor. We expect group members to notify us if income changes occur (such as obtaining employment, losing employment, job raises or demotions) we ask that you let us know this and your fee will be adjusted accordingly.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:

Emerge is not a substance abuse counseling agency. As such, we do not expect absolute abstinence from alcohol or other drugs during the time in the program. However, we expect that group members not use alcohol or drugs 24 hours before their group session, the two hours of the group and 24 hours after the session. If it is determined that someone has substance abuse issues, we may require absolute abstinence or possibly evaluation and treatment at a substance abuse clinic.

We expect group members to be respectful toward each other and group leaders. Group members not being respectful will be asked to leave the group and may risk termination from the program.

We expect group members to respect each other's confidentiality as well by not to describing other group members outside of the group. You can speak to your friends and family about what you are learning and how you are working to change.