QUESTION: Can we communicate via email?
ANSWER: Yes. I will ask that you obtain a FREE Hushmail account. This will enable us to have completely secure email communication using end-to-end encryption. HIPAA allows you to choose to use non-secure email, but several of the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics prohibits me from doing so.
QUESTION: Do we ever need to have an in-person meeting for Distance Counseling?
ANSWER: I would strongly prefer that our initial session be in-person, but this is not essential. If it is impossible or impractical for us to meet in person, some additional precautions will be necessary to ensure our mutual safety and security.
QUESTION: What happens if a client has an emergency on their end, for example, is suicidal or has a heart attack?
ANSWER: I have certain legal obligations, including the protection of my clients and others. At the outset of therapy or coaching, the client will be required to provide me with both professional and personal emergency contact names and numbers. I will not use these numbers except in an emergency, but I must have them on file.
QUESTION: What technology will we use to communicate?
ANSWER: We can use any type of HIPAA-compliant technology. The most popular are POTS (Plain Ol’ Telephone System) and video-conferencing. I prefer to use a cloud-based system known as VidHealth, because it is very simple and easy to use. If we run into technological problems, we might use another system known as VSee, which is superior, but requires that the client download and install a “client.” In either case, I will talk you through the entire process.
QUESTION: What is HIPAA?
ANSWER: All healthcare in the United States is governed by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, which is United States legislation that provides data privacy and security provisions for safeguarding medical information.
QUESTION: Can we communicate on social networks?
ANSWER: No, social networks are not secure; hence, your privacy would not be protected.
QUESTION: Where can I do my sessions?
ANSWER: If you are interested in traditional in-person therapy, my office is located at the corner of 4th and Clark in Pocatello, If you are interested in distance counseling, clients may participate in their sessions anywhere that creates a secure and safe environment. The client does need to take precautions when selecting their location; i;e. lock door, write a note on the outside of the door requesting privacy, children being tended to by somebody else, have appropriate lighting, etc. Clients may participate from home, but might also use the public library, work (do not use a company computer without permission and talking with counselor about the risks), case manager’s office, Bishop / Pastor’s office, fire or police station, assisted living center, school, doctor’s office, probation officer’s office, institution, etc. Some clients prefer to sit in their cars during sessions. Even a mental health clinic!
QUESTION: How do I pay for distance counseling?
ANSWER: Sessions range in price, based on length of time. Medicaid and many private insurance companies reimburse for distance counseling, but some do not. Payment is accepted as a private-pay option, accepting all major credit cards, PayPal, or a check paid in advance of session.
QUESTION: How is my confidentiality protected if we are online?
ANSWER: Both client and counselor must take precautions to protect client confidentiality. Those steps are discussed during the screening / intake session when the modality of treatment is decided; e.g., video or phone.
QUESTION: Is it OK to record distance counseling sessions?
ANSWER: Yes, but it is not advisable. Talk with your counselor about the risks this can present to your privacy. The counselor’s computer is encrypted. Is your’s? Can you guarantee that someone else might not access your recording?
QUESTION: Is distance counseling appropriate for everybody?
ANSWER: No. Clients need to be relatively stable, as the counselor is not immediately available. Clients may call for a screening to discuss in further detail and determine if they are an appropriate candidate. Clients who are engaged in distance counseling who become unstable / unmanageable for online therapy will be referred to either a higher level of care or for face-to-face therapy.
QUESTION: How do I know you are who you say you are and what are your credentials?
ANSWER: You may verify my licensure by completing a counselor search through the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses, or through the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. Should you choose video-conferencing for your therapy modality, I can show you my license at that time. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Master Addictions Counselor, National Certified Counselor and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.
QUESTION: How long have you been a counselor?
ANSWER: I have been licensed in Idaho since February of 2000, but I started my career as a substance abuse counselor in Pennsylvania in 1985!