The law protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission.
Exceptions include:
- Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse, for which I am required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
- If a client intends to harm himself or herself, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in insuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, I will take further measures without their permission that are provided to me by law in order to ensure their safety.
Regarding public setting encounters such as stores, shops, and the like, in order to protect your privacy, my policy is to NOT acknowledge you unless you initiate this first.
Regarding Social Media (Facebook, Linkedin…) I do not “friend” clients in order to protect privacy – theirs and mine.
Regarding the use of Email : I reserve this for brief appointment scheduling, canceling, or rescheduling. If there is a book or link that I believe would be of benefit to a client, I may, with the client’s permission, email this to the client. My email account is “not encrypted”. I am, however, the only user on my computer and email account.
Regarding the use of Texting : Essentially, I do not text other than “ok” when a client texts me that they are running late for an appointment.
Regarding use of Perfumes/Colognes: I am quite sensitive to scents - especially perfumes, as are some of my clients. Out of consideration for me and other clients, I would request that you refrain from wearing perfumes on the day of your appointments.
