Social Media Policy

Social Media Policy

In the age of social media, having a policy about its use has become important for the confidentiality of both the client and the therapist. Given how quickly technology develops and changes, it may be necessary to update this policy.  In this case, you will get a revised version of any changes in writing. This is an addendum to the other Information and policy form.

SOCIAL MEDIA SITES

I do not accept friend or contact requests from current or former clients on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram or any other social media platform.  Having clients as friends or contacts on these sites can compromise your confidentiality and our respective privacy. It may also blur the boundaries of our therapeutic relationship.  

Though you may have found me on a social media site, like psychologytoday.com or viewed my website, I will do not do Google searches on you, preferring we get to know each other by what you tell me – or unless you want me to review something important to you and give me written permission to do so.  An extremely rare exception would be in a time of crisis. For example, if I suspect you are in danger, if you have been missing appointments without notice or if you have not been in touch with me using your usual mode of communication (email, text, phone), then doing a Google search to find someone close to you may be necessary so I can check on your welfare. This unusual situation will be fully documented and discussed when we next meet. Finally, if I suspect that I am in danger for any reason, by any statements or behaviors you have made, I may rely on search engines for further information about you.

TEXTS, VOICE MAIL and EMAILS

Texts and Voice Mail: While convenient for letting me know you are running late or need to reschedule, texts and voice mail are not secure and should not be used for communicating therapeutic information.

Emails: Email is also not secure unless you use an encrypted email program.  This means that emails are vulnerable to unauthorized people and can compromise your confidentiality. Any emails you may choose to send with personal content related to your therapy sessions will become part of your legal record. I will respond to your email in session or through an encrypted email.

I do offer an option to instant message me within my HIPAA compliant EHR, however, any content does become a part of your medical and legal record.

VIDEO CONFERENCING 

In some rare instances, due to scheduling or inclement weather, we may decide to do a session via video conferencing. Some insurance companies cover video conferencing. Others do not. If your insurance cannot be billed or you don’t use insurance for psychotherapy and you still choose to meet via video conferencing, full payment will be your responsibility. If you normally use insurance, the cost of the session will be your copay plus what is reimbursed by your insurance company. It is your responsibility to find out if your insurance company covers video conferencing. If you do not use insurance, the cost will be the regular session fee.

ONLINE REVIEW SITES

I do not solicit psychotherapy testimonials nor am I part of any online review site. If you decide to post anything about our work together on one of these sites, it is doubtful I will see it. Even if I do, maintaining your confidentiality is a top priority for me. I take your privacy seriously and encourage you to do the same. Should you decide to share anything on one of these public business review sites, either positive or negative, please consider using an alias to protect your privacy. Finally, I would encourage you to bring any feelings you have about your therapy and/or me, to your sessions as this can be an important part of therapy. 

CONCLUSION

Thank you for taking the time to read my social media policy. If you have questions or concerns about any of these policies and procedures or regarding our potential interactions on the Internet, please bring them to my attention so that we can discuss them.