The Different Forms of Technology-Assisted Media Explained

Landline and Cell Phones:
It is important for you to know that telephones may not be completely secure and confidential. There is a possibility that someone could overhear or even intercept your conversations with special technology. Be aware that individuals who have access to your phone or your phone bill may be able to see who you have talked to, who initiated that call, how long the conversation was, and where each party was located when that call occurred. If this is a problem, please let your counselor know, and you she will be glad to discuss options.

Email:
Email is not a secure means of communication and may compromise your confidentiality. However, we realize that many people prefer to email because it is a quick way to convey information. Nonetheless, please know that it is our policy to utilize this means of communication strictly for appointment confirmations and/or rescheduling. Please do not bring up any counseling content via email to prevent compromising your confidentiality. You also need to know that we are required to keep a copy or summary of all emails as part of your clinical record that address anything related to therapy. With your permission and without breaching confidentiality, we can send psychoeducational material to you as email communication or attachment.

We also strongly suggest that you only communicate through a device that you know is safe and technologically secure (e.g., has a firewall, anti-virus software installed, is password protected, not accessing the internet through a public wireless network, etc.). If you are in a crisis, please do not communicate this via email because we may not see it in a timely manner. Instead, please see below under “Emergency Procedures.”

Electronic Record Storage

Your communications with us will become part of a clinical record of treatment, and it is referred to as Protected Health Information (PHI). Your PHI will be stored electronically with Titanium a secure storage company which is HIPAA-compliant.

Your Responsibilities for Confidentiality & Telemental Health

Please communicate only through devices that you know are secure as described above. It is also your responsibility to choose a secure location to interact with technology-assisted media and to be aware that family, friends, employers, co-workers, strangers, and hackers could either overhear your communications or have access to the technology that you are interacting with. Additionally, you agree not to record any Telemental Health sessions.

Communication Response Time

We are required to make sure that you’re aware that we are located in Georgia and we abide by Eastern Standard Time. Due to law, we can only provide services to students who are physically in Georgia at the time of sessions. Our practice is considered to be an outpatient facility, and we are set up to accommodate individuals who are reasonably safe and resourceful. We are not available at all times and not available after 5:30 pm or on weekends. If at any time this does not feel like sufficient support, please inform your counselor, and she can discuss additional resources or transfer your case to a counselor or clinic with 24-hour availability. We will return phone calls, emails or secure messages within 24 hours. However, we do not return any form of communication on weekends or holidays. If you are having a mental health emergency and need immediate assistance, please follow the instructions below.