Handy Info

At Niche Massage, comfort and well-being are prioritized above all else. Before beginning, clients are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the policies and procedures by following the links provided below. Additionally, the practice's blog offers valuable information on self-care, wellness tips, and insights into the benefits of massage therapy. Clients are invited to explore it at their leisure. Lastly, the practice's directory serves as a treasure trove of helpful links and contacts for those seeking further resources or information. Together, they embark on a journey towards wellness.

POLICY & PROCEDURES

As a Licensed Massage Therapist I follow a Code of ethics, dictated by the State of Texas. All information clients provide, both written and verbal, will remain confidential.

I treat clients ethically and fairly and establish an atmosphere of trust and respect during each session. I ask the same of my clients in return.

I understand and recognize the effects of life experiences and want all my clients to feel physically, psychologically, and emotionally safe.

As a Licensed Massage Therapist my goal is to assist clients in meeting their goals and aspirations of relaxation, stress reduction, rejuvenation, and pain management.

The section below outlines our policies and procedures to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for you and our therapists.

We kindly ask for your understanding regarding cancellations, including the importance of punctuality and our guidelines for same-day bookings, rescheduling, and no-call/no-show appointments.

Additionally, we address considerations for illness and the handling of gift certificates. We also cover our payment procedures, tipping etiquette, and insurance coverage. We understand our scope of practice comprehensively and operate with an awareness of life's experiences that can include trauma. Your medical history is of the utmost importance to us, as it helps us tailor our treatments to your specific needs. In the event of weather or inappropriate behavior, it is mapped out what is to be expected with communication and actions moving forward. Thank you for entrusting your care with us.

CANCELLATION POLICY

IMPORTANT!

Niche Massage understands and respects clients' hectic schedules. With sufficient notice, appointments may be moved or accommodations made. Nichelle holds you and your time in high regard and appreciates your reciprocation of that same value towards her.

Please understand that operating hours are limited, and Nichelle is booked in advance. Cancellations received at least 24 hours in advance are free of charge.

Less than 24 hours notice:

If a client needs to reschedule with less than 24 hours' notice, a $35 rescheduling fee will be automatically charged to the client's credit card. In the event of a complete appointment cancellation, the session's full amount will also be automatically charged to the client's credit card.

PUNCTUALITY

Clients are asked to please arrive for their appointments at the scheduled starting time. This allows for time to fill out or update intake forms and discuss the treatment plan for the session. In the event a client is running late, the service may be shortened to maintain the schedule, and the original treatment time may be charged. If Nichelle is running late, you will be notified via text, and the time will be adapted to ensure the client receives the full time of the session.

SAME DAY BOOKING

When scheduling an appointment on the same day of the intended visit, it is imperative for the client to be certain of their availability. Once a same-day appointment is confirmed, it falls under our 24-hour policy. Any subsequent changes to this appointment, will incur a $35 rescheduling fee. Furthermore, in the event of a full cancellation, the total amount of the appointment will be automatically charged to the client's credit card. This policy ensures that appointments are honored and respects the time and resources allocated for each client's visit.

ILLNESS

In the event of a sudden cancellation due to illness or unexpected circumstances such as a child's illness, we recognize the need for flexibility.

However, to honor the commitments of both parties, a charge equivalent to half of the session fee will be applied. We understand the unpredictability of these situations and offer the option to apply this charge to the client's next session if they reschedule within 30 days. Our priority is maintaining fairness while accommodating our valued clients' needs, ensuring their wellness journey remains uninterrupted.

Nichelle kindly requests that clients communicate via TEXT if they're feeling unwell or have a fever, as rescheduling may be necessary for the well-being of both parties. Additionally, please understand if Nichelle requests to reschedule due to her own illness. For certain medical conditions, massage or bodywork may not be advisable, and Nichelle reserves the right to decline such services if they could potentially harm a client.

NO SHOW / NO CALL

If a client fails to appear for their appointment without prior notice, they will incur the full session fee, with the card on file being charged accordingly. Nichelle retains the discretion to decline future services following a no-show. Two instances of no-call or no-show will lead to the termination of the client relationship, with no further appointments being accommodated.

PAYMENT

GENERAL

Niche Massage accepts cash, credit card, Venmo, and PayPal. There is a $25.00 fee on returned checks.

A credit card is required to book an appointment to create ease at check out and reduce no-shows.

Credit cards will not be charged until after the session.

The client's credit card information will

remain confidentially stored. Prices are subject to change at any time.

TIPPING

When clients receive excellent customer service and are extremely satisfied with their massage sessions, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.

INSURANCE

Niche Massage does not offer direct billing to insurance

companies but upon request is happy to provide an itemized receipt (or Super Bill) for the session that the client can submit to their insurance company for possible reimbursement. The client is responsible for contacting their health insurance provider to verify that Massage Therapy is a covered benefit and for instructions on submitting the claim. Payment in full is due at the

time of service.

GIFT CERTIFICATE

GENERAL

You can purchase gift certificates in specific dollar amounts via our website, enabling recipients to use them for their chosen services. Please note that gift certificates cannot be exchanged for cash and require the presentation of the certificate number at the time of payment. While booking appointments, remember to inform Nichelle by leaving a note if you intend to use a gift certificate.

Please be aware that gift certificates cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions. In case of a no-call/no-show, the certificate will be deemed redeemed and void. If a client runs late, the service duration may be adjusted to maintain the schedule, and full payment remains the client's responsibility.

If a gift certificate is not redeemed within two years from the purchase date (as indicated by the expiration date), it becomes void and cannot be redeemed.

SCOPE OF PRACTICE

GENERAL

As a Licensed Massage Therapist, I utilize manual techniques and potentially other Supplemental therapies to positively affect the health and well-being of the client. I do not diagnose or prescribe medications for medical conditions. My services are not intended as an alternative for proper medical attention for specific conditions. Clients are advised to consult a medical doctor of their choice for any specific condition that requires medical treatment. I have a list of trusted holistic and medical professionals in the area if you would like a referral.

MEDICAL HISTORY

The client is responsible for disclosing medical history on an intake form or during the initial interview at the first appointment to ensure that there are no contraindications (a condition or circumstance that indicates that massage is not safe).

Clients are asked to include past surgeries, injuries, trauma, and anything they feel is necessary to note.

Clients are asked to share any changes in their health, diagnoses, treatments, illnesses, or conditions. They may also be asked to provide written permission from a physician, chiropractor, physical therapist, etc., that massage therapy is safe for them to receive.

TRAUMA AWARE

All bodywork & massage are trauma-aware because pain and mental health often overlap. A trauma-informed” therapist is further trained in trauma awareness and has resources available if needed.

As a Trauma aware therapist, Nichelle follows the basic principles of a trauma-aware practice: Communication, collaboration, and choice. She understands that pain and mental health often overlap. She implements trauma awareness throughout her practice to ensure clients are safe and well cared for. She understands that the definitions of "safe" and "comfortable" are different with each client, and all clients define what these words mean to them as individuals.

Nichelle encourages clients to confidentially share as much as they are comfortable with about treatment preferences, what has worked in the past, and identifying areas of their body that are off-limits for treatment during the session.

Nichelle assists her clients in identifying their strengths to empower further self-efficacy and resiliency and build a capacity for self-care.