Electronic Communication Policy
This policy was created for my therapy clients, with whom I have a unique professional and therapeutic relationship.
The first thing you’ll notice when working with me is that I’m not your typical psychologist; that extends to my online presence. I believe one of the best ways to share psychology-related information is through social media. That’s why I’m on a few social media platforms that you may use (e.g. YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn).
The following policies are set up to protect you, me, and our therapeutic relationship. If you have any questions about the rules of the road, bring it up and we’ll discuss it.
Facebook & LinkedIn
I do not accept friend or contact requests from current or former clients on any social networking site. Doing so could compromise your right to confidentiality and privacy.
I maintain active engagement with relevant content on my LinkedIn page. You’re welcome to view and share that content, but I don’t accept clients as LinkedIn “connections.
Instagram and Blogs
My Instagram account is another way to advocate for de-stigmatizing mental health care and promoting psychology. I have no expectation that you as a client will want to follow me on these platforms, but if you do, know that to protect your right to confidentiality, I cannot follow back or engage with clients on these platforms.
Contacting Me
It is my business practice to discuss therapy issues only during scheduled session time.
Email
I use email communication only with your permission and only for administrative purposes. That means that email exchanges should be limited to things like setting and changing appointments, billing matters and other related issues. Please do not email me about clinical matters because email is not a secure way to contact me. In addition, you should also know that any emails I receive from you and any responses that I send to you become a part of your client record.
Text Messages
Because text messaging is a very unsecure and impersonal mode of communication, I do not text message to nor do I respond to text messages from anyone in treatment with me.
Business Review Sites
You may find my psychology practice on sites such as Yelp and Healthgrades, or other places which list businesses. 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 my client.
The American Psychological Association’s Ethics Code states under Principle 5.05 that it is unethical for psychologists to solicit testimonials: “Psychologists do not solicit testimonials from current therapy clients/patients or other persons who because of their particular circumstances are vulnerable to undue influence.”
Of course, you have a right to express yourself on any site you wish. But as with other online platforms, I protect your confidentiality by not engaging on these sites. You are more than welcome to tell anyone you wish that I’m your psychologist or how you feel about the treatment I provided to you, in any forum of your choosing. I also encourage you to share any feedback you have about our work together at your next appointment – this feedback is key to making sure you’re getting the highest quality care.