Confidentiality & Privacy Policy
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 ensuring 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.
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION
Grace Counseling seeks at all times to maintain and respect the confidentiality of each client. Therefore, Grace Counseling wishes to remind each person that electronic communication (email, texts, faxes) is not a secure form of communication. Because confidentiality cannot be assured, the use of electronic communication is discouraged in regard to communications with your counselor. When necessary, electronic communication may be used for scheduling appointments but should not be used for counseling purposes or major forms of communication. Electronic communication is not appropriate for emergency or time-critical situations. The fastest way to contact Grace Counseling is by phone. Please call your clinician directly at the number you were provided or 573-644-6128. If it is after hours and you are in imminent crisis, please call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room.
Teletherapy is done online through webcams. Sessions are done through Zoom.us which is HIPAA compliant, meaning 100% secure. Teletherapy may not be appropriate for all people.
Zoom.us is HIPAA compliant software and is an app that can be downloaded for free on your phone, tablet or computer.
Teletherapy is a non-acute service and some topics would be better served with an in-person therapist such as: suicidal ideation, homicidal ideation, self-harming behaviors, trauma, psychosis, schizophrenia or severe depression or anxiety.