Communication & Social Media Policy

Last updated November 2025

This policy explains how I manage communication and social media interactions with clients to maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and compliance with legal and ethical standards (including HIPAA). Please review this carefully and bring up any questions before or during your first session.

1. Email Communication

  • Email should be used only for administrative or scheduling purposes (e.g., confirming or rescheduling appointments, billing inquiries, or technical issues with the patient portal).

  • Clinical information or urgent matters should not be sent via email, as email is not a secure form of communication.

  • I aim to respond to emails within 48 business hours. Messages received after business hours, weekends, or holidays will be addressed the next business day.

  • Please use the secure patient portal for any clinical questions or information relevant to your treatment.

2. Phone Communication

  • Phone calls may be used for brief administrative or logistical questions.

  • Calls are typically returned within 48 business hours, excluding weekends and holidays.

  • I may not be immediately available by phone. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, do not wait for a callback — see the Emergency Protocols section below.

3. Text Messaging

  • To protect your privacy and maintain professional boundaries, text messaging is not used for any clinical or administrative communication.

  • Please use email or the secure patient portal for any communication needs.

4. Secure Patient Portal

  • The patient portal is the preferred and most secure way to communicate between sessions.

  • It may be used for non-urgent questions, sharing relevant clinical information or in-between-session homework, or administrative needs.

  • Portal messages will be reviewed and responded to within 48 business hours.

  • Messages sent through the portal are not intended for crisis situations.

5. Social Media Policy

To protect your confidentiality and maintain clear professional boundaries, the following social media guidelines apply:

  • I maintain professional accounts on platforms such as Instagram and LinkedIn for general information, education, and practice updates.

  • Following, friending, or direct messaging clients through social media is not permitted. This includes requests to connect on LinkedIn or follow on Instagram.

  • If you comment or like posts from the practice page, please note that this could compromise your confidentiality. You are welcome to view content, but I encourage you to do so privately.

  • I do not respond to direct messages or comments containing clinical or personal information. Please use the secure patient portal or email for all professional communication.

6. Emergencies and Crisis Situations

As a solo telehealth practice, I do not provide 24-hour crisis services. If you are in crisis or need immediate assistance, please use one of the following options:

  • Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department if you are in immediate danger.

  • Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (available 24/7 nationwide).

If you are in Illinois, you can also contact:

  • Illinois Warm Line (non-crisis peer support): 866-359-7953

  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

  • Local Crisis Centers (e.g., community mental health agencies) for additional resources.

  • If you leave a message or send an email during a crisis, I may not see it immediately. Always use the resources above in emergencies.

7. Updates to This Policy

This policy may be updated periodically to reflect best practices or regulatory changes. Clients will be notified of significant updates, and the most current version will always be available upon request.