This policy explains how I handle phone, email, text, social media, and other technology in my practice. It exists to protect your confidentiality and the integrity of our therapeutic relationship, consistent with the NASW Code of Ethics and the Standards for Technology in Social Work Practice.
Phone and Voicemail
The best way to reach me between sessions is by phone at (619) 535-8567. My voicemail is confidential and checked regularly on business days. I return calls within [1–2] business days. Please keep between-session calls brief and administrative; clinical concerns are best addressed in session. Calls longer than 15 minutes may be billed as described in the Financial Agreement.
Email and Text Messaging
Standard email and SMS text messages are not encrypted or secure. For that reason:
- Please use email and text only for scheduling and logistics (appointment times, running late, directions) — never for clinical content, crises, or sensitive personal information.
- If you choose to email or text me, I will assume you accept the privacy risks of these channels for logistical messages, and I will keep my replies limited to logistics.
- Messages you send may become part of your clinical record.
- Secure clinical communication is available through [Client Portal] / VSee.
Emergencies Are Never Handled Electronically
I do not monitor email, text, or voicemail continuously, and none of these channels are appropriate for urgent situations. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), call 911, or go to your nearest emergency room.
Social Media
- I do not accept friend, follow, or connection requests from current or former clients on personal social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.). This protects your confidentiality and keeps our relationship within its professional boundaries — it is never personal.
- The practice may maintain public professional pages for general information. You are welcome to view them, but please be aware that liking, commenting on, or sharing content could reveal to others that you have a relationship with this practice.
- Please do not use social media messaging (DMs) to contact me about scheduling or clinical matters — these channels are not secure and are not monitored.
Reviews and Testimonials
Consistent with the NASW Code of Ethics, I do not solicit testimonials or reviews from clients. You are of course free to say whatever you wish, wherever you wish — but please consider your own privacy before posting about therapy on public review sites. I do not respond to online reviews, positive or negative, because doing so could confirm a treatment relationship.
Searching Online
I do not search for clients on the internet or social media, except in rare urgent situations involving your safety, and I would discuss any such situation with you afterward whenever possible.
Client Portal and Telehealth Platform
Secure messaging, paperwork upload, and video sessions are available through [Client Portal] / VSee, which encrypts communications and with which I maintain a Business Associate Agreement as required by HIPAA. This is the preferred channel for anything beyond simple logistics.
Records Security
Clinical records are stored securely with access limited to me, using encrypted, HIPAA-compliant systems, and retained as required by California law and professional standards.
Changes to This Policy
If this policy changes in a way that affects you, I will tell you in session and provide the updated version.
Acknowledgment
By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and understood this Communication, Technology & Social Media Policy.
Parent / Legal Guardian (required if the client is a minor):