Our Communication Policy: Connecting Between Sessions
Clear communication is important both within your therapy sessions and for any necessary contact between appointments. This policy outlines how you can communicate with your therapist outside of scheduled sessions, and our guidelines for such communications.
Preferred Method of Communication: Client Portal
For most non-urgent communication between sessions, we strongly encourage you to use our secure Client Portal. The portal allows you to:
- Send secure messages to your therapist.
- Request appointment changes.
- Access documents.
Using the portal helps ensure your privacy and keeps all communication in one secure, HIPAA-compliant location.
Phone Calls
You may call our main office line at (913) 393-9393 for:
- Scheduling inquiries.
- Billing questions.
- Urgent administrative matters.
If you need to speak with your therapist directly by phone between sessions, please be aware of the following:
- Therapists are often in session and may not be immediately available. Please leave a voicemail, and they will return your call as soon as they are able, typically within [e.g., 24-48 business hours].
- Brief calls (under [e.g., 10-15 minutes]) for scheduling or quick clarifications are generally not charged.
- Longer or more frequent phone calls that are therapeutic in nature may be considered a billable service, pro-rated according to our standard session fee. Your therapist will discuss this with you if it applies.
Email Communication
- General Inquiries: You may email our practice for general, non-clinical inquiries.
- Therapeutic Content: We generally discourage the use of standard email for discussing detailed personal or therapeutic issues due to privacy and security concerns. Standard email is not a HIPAA-compliant method for sharing sensitive Protected Health Information (PHI). Please use the secure Client Portal for such matters.
- Therapist Email: Your therapist may provide you with their direct email for specific, limited purposes (e.g., sending a requested resource). Please clarify with your therapist their preferences and policies regarding email use.
Text Messaging (SMS)
- Limited Use: Text messaging should generally be limited to brief, urgent logistical matters only (e.g., "Running 5 minutes late").
- Not for Therapeutic Issues: Please do not use text messaging for therapeutic discussions, crisis situations, or detailed personal information due to privacy concerns and the limitations of the medium.
- Confirm with Therapist: Some therapists may not use text messaging for client communication at all. Please confirm your therapist's policy.
Response Times
We strive to respond to non-urgent messages and calls within [e.g., 24 to 48 business hours (Monday-Friday, excluding holidays)]. Please note that therapists do not typically check messages outside of their regular working hours.
Emergency Situations
This communication policy is NOT for emergencies. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency:
- Call 911 immediately.
- Go to your nearest emergency room.
- Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
- Visit our Crisis & Emergency Support page for more resources.
Our practice is not equipped to provide 24/7 crisis response.
Social Media and Other Platforms
To protect your confidentiality and maintain professional boundaries, our therapists do not communicate with or "friend/follow" current or former clients on personal social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn). Any communication should occur through the official channels outlined above.
We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to this communication policy. It helps us maintain your privacy, ensure timely responses for appropriate matters, and uphold professional boundaries. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.