Confidentiality
HELPsychology.com strives to maintain confidentiality. Your name, address, or other identifiable information will never be deliberately disclosed; we will uphold your personal confidentiality to the best of our ability. However, confidentiality is limited by law under the following situations: (1) being suicidal or having intent to harm oneself; (2) being homicidal or having intent to harm another person or persons; and (3) actual or suspected abuse of children, the elderly (60 years or older), or the disabled. (4) Due to the “Patriot Act” (known legally as “Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act”) we may disclose your health information to authorized federal officials who are conducting national security and intelligence activities or providing protective services to the President or other important officials. By law we cannot reveal when we have disclosed such information to the government; (5) Records may be subpoenaed and shared with court without permission of patient/client, however, we will exercise every effort to avoid release of records under privacy and confidentiality laws. (6) Your insurance company used for psychological services may request treatment information and is allowed access to records. These 6 situations require disclosure to authorities of identifiable information and related contents of counseling. Excluding items 1-6 above, an “Authorization for Release of Confidential Information” form must be signed to release any confidential information.
There are also technical limits to the confidentiality of counseling on the internet. Computer hackers may attempt and/or actually gain privy to electronic data between counselor and client. If one is using a business or personal PC where other individuals have access, then confidentiality of electronic communications can not be guaranteed. Additionally, a counselor or patient/client may send an intended confidential message or email to an unintended recipient by accident.
Dr. Conti and HELPsychology.com suggests all parties double check the address of their intended recipient prior to clicking the SEND button. Although all efforts will be made to ensure confidentiality of private information, HELPsychology.com can not guarantee that electronic communications via the internet will remain confidential and thus does not accept responsibility for confidentiality related to internet and phone counseling and correspondence.
Disclaimer
Internet counseling provides a new form of helping individuals deal with difficult life issues. It utilizes the convenience of the internet to link both the patient and counselor in a virtual capacity. The focus of internet counseling differs from patient to patient, depending upon their issues and the internet modality chosen for counseling.
HELPsychology.com internet counseling does not replace the need for medical attention or in person psychotherapy/psychological services. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. It is in place to assist individuals with everyday types of problems and is not intended to treat mental illness.
If you are feeling suicidal or thinking about harming yourself or others in any way, then HELPsychology.com is not an appropriate method of counseling for you. If you are in immediate physical danger, call 911 NOW. If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in immediate crisis Befriender’s International offers crisis resources around the world.
Dr. Conti and HELPsychology.com and its affiliate counselors Dr. Conti and Helpsychology.com specifically disclaim any and all liability developing directly or indirectly from the actual use of counseling, consultation, any online product, or from any information housed in this web site.
