REGARDING
PROFESSIONAL TREATMENT FOR 
SELECTIVE MUTISM

We are continuously contacted by families who express extreme dissatisfaction, unprofessional behavior, and payment of exorbitant fees, to licensed professionals who diagnose/treat Selective Mutism.  If you think that a professional who you previously hired, or are currently engaged with may have, or may be misrepresenting themselves in some way, we may provide assistance to you.

 ALL CORRESPONDENCE WILL CONTINUE TO REMAIN STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL, PENDING WRITTEN CONSENT OF RELEASE.

 In an effort to preserve the integrity of the disorder, the dignity of families, and ethical licensed professionals, we are continuing to collect information, from individuals who provide written consent only, for possible legal investigation.  Selective Mutism is still lagging behind with legitimate research studies, which, unfortunately, hinders effective treatment.  This fact has attracted opportunists, posing to specialize in treating Selective Mutism, who prey upon, and take advantage of innocent, desperate families, for monetary gain. 

We strongly advise that anyone who is seeking professional treatment, or who is currently engaged in treatment, to request disclosure of related credentials and to contact the appropriate state licensing bureau where you receive(d) treatment for confirmation.  We also suggest that you check with health insurance carriers for reasonable and customary fees/reimbursement to serve as a guideline. Please be advised that there are dedicated professionals, and we will continue to provide information about these individuals to you. 

 Few legitimate published studies have been conducted on Selective Mutism, with most stemming from interest generated by this foundation.  Large scale published studies were conducted with participants provided through this foundation.  We are the Pioneers on bringing public awareness to this disorder, and as a result others have benefited from our work.  Unfortunately, there is no new information regarding treatment of Selective Mutism as of yet, other than what we have provided during the past 14 years. 

 PLEASE BE AN EDUCATED CONSUMER!

Please contact either of us at the above email addresses. The following information is necessary for a response:

1.  Your name, address, phone number, name and address of licensed professional you are questioning, reason(s) for dissatisfaction. Your information will be interchangeable between the co-directors and kept strictly confidential.

2.  Optional – You may mail copies of all reports, evaluations, invoices, receipts of payments and/or insurance explanation of benefits, any other documents, and the following dated and signed statement.      

You may print out this statement and mail along with documentation.

DATE: ______________

I give permission for Sue Newman and/or Carolyn Miller, co-founders/directors of the Selective Mutism Foundation, Inc. to discuss and to provide all of my documents concerning

 _____________________
(name of licensed professional)  

to a licensed practitioner(s) of their discretion, and to legal authorities for possible assistance with filing a complaint.  My consent will remain in effect with no time limits unless revoked by me in written form. 

__________________________________ 
(signature)     

Name: __________________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________

                                               City/State/Zip/Telephone____________________________________________