Confidentiality and Privacy

The law protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission.

Exceptions include the following:

• I will take steps to ensure a client’s safety if a client intends to harm himself or herself.  These steps do include attempting to get the client’s cooperation, but if additional measures are needed, I will pursue those legally available to me in an effort to protect a client.    
• I am required by law to report suspected child abuse, elder abuse, or dependent adult  abuse to the appropriate authorities.
• I have a duty to warn an intended victim and the police if a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person.  

Communication Policy

Once you schedule an initial appointment, you will receive an invite to my client portal where you can request an appointment, receive statements, and links for any video-counseling sessions.

If you need to contact me between sessions, my preferred way is by phone (870-720-1212).  For administrative issues such as scheduling changes or billing questions, direct e-mail works well.  See the e-mail section below for more information regarding e-mail interactions.  

For emergency or crisis situations, call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

Regarding the confidential status of communications,  my e-mails and voicemails are encrypted.  I use only HIPPA secure programs (i.e., Hushmail for e-mail and Theranest  for EHR and telehealth).

Although I attempt to return all phone messages and e-mails within a 24-hour period, there may be times that a response takes up to 48 hours.

Social Media Policy —

(This section provides details on how I conduct myself on the internet as a mental health professional and how you can expect me to respond to various interactions that may occur between us.)

E-Mail – If you choose to communicate with me by e-mail, be aware that all e-mails are retained in the logs of your and my internet service providers.  While it is unlikely that someone will be looking at these logs, they are available to be read by the system administrator(s) of the internet service provider.  Any e-mails I receive from you and any responses that I send to you become part of your legal record.  All e-mails sent by me are encrypted to help protect your confidentiality.

Facebook – At this time I do not have a Facebook Page due to the potential risks of maintaining such a Page outweigh any possible benefits.

Friend and Contact Requests – To avoid compromising confidentiality and privacy and to protect the boundaries of the therapeutic relationship, I do not accept friend or contact requests on any social networking sites from current or former clients.  

Business Review Sites – You may find my counseling practice on sites which list businesses.  Some of these sites allow users to rate providers and add reviews.  Many of these sites automatically add listings regardless of whether the business has added itself to the site.  If you should find my listing on any of these sites, please know that my listing is not a request for a testimonial, rating, or endorsement from you as a client.  Although you have the right to express yourself on any site you wish, I encourage you to protect your privacy as I commit to reserving confidentiality for you.  

Use of Search Engines – I do not search for clients using search engines except in crisis situations.   Should I become concerned for your safety and am unable to reach you, I might use a search engine to find you or check on your status to ensure your safety and well-being.  If this becomes necessary, I will document this search and discuss it during our next session.

If you have questions or concerns about any of these policies and procedures regarding our potential interactions, please feel free to discuss them with me.