Secure | Encrypted | HIPAA Compliant
Online counselling is done through secure video software.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all counselling appointments will be held online.
24 hour cancellation policy remains in effect.
Online Counselling:
E-Therapy
Benefits of Online Counselling
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Accessible from the comfort of your home
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Convenience: 'arrive' to your appointment just before it begins
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Helpful if you live in a rural community, are traveling, a caregiver, or have mobility restrictions
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Increased anonymity
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No commuting or parking
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Writing emails when you feel overwhelmed
Disadvantages of Online Counselling
Not all issues are able to be supported via teletherapy and I will provide an on-going assessment to determine if online therapy is appropriate for you. Some issues that are not supported via teletherapy include:
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acute psychiatric episodes
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harming others*
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serious substance use
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active suicidal ideation & intent*
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violence
I do not provide crisis services. If you are experiencing any of the above please call emergency services: 911 or the crises lines (please click on 'crises lines' for a list of phone numbers).
*If you are experiencing these thoughts and they are assessed to be mild, online services may still be appropriate.
Potential Risks
Technical failures can happen and this may pose a risk to your privacy, and for the ability for interventions to happen if a crisis or emergency situation were to emerge during an appointment.
Examples (this is a non-exhaustive list):
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Internet connections may become unstable or stop working
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Computers, smartphones, and home provider services can stop working due to hardware failures or run out of power
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IT service personnel, cloud-based service providers, and malicious actors 'hackers' may have the ability to access your personal information during the service-delivery on information that is transmitted or stored is process of the online appointment
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Interruptions, pauses or freezing may happen and could disrupt significant moments during therapy
Security
All online services are compliant with Personal Information Protection Act 'PIPA'
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No data is transmitted nor stored in the United States
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Emails and online counselling software utilize secure encrypted systems
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Client notes are maintained on an encrypted online system and/or on paper in a double locked system: locked filing system in a locked office
Security is of the upmost importance. However, 100% guarantee of the protection of your information cannot be guaranteed when utilizing online services. Please see "Risks" section regarding this.
