Confidentiality & Privacy Policy

The law protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission.

Exceptions include:

• Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse, which I am required by law to report to the appropriate authorities immediately.
• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
• If a client intends to harm himself or herself, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, I will take further measures without their permission that are mandated by law in order to ensure their safety.

 I understand and agree that:

Complete confidentiality over the telephone or internet cannot be guaranteed because it is possible that e-mails and other transmissions can be intercepted by a third party. I make every reasonable effort to ensure all services and documentation are kept confidential. There are some exceptions to confidentiality. Confidentiality may be breached under the following circumstances: the client reports feeling actively suicidal or homicidal with plan and intent to harm self or others; the client reports instances of child abuse or elder abuse. In these cases, law enforcement, child protection or elder protection services will be contacted. Confidentiality may also be breached if a court issues a subpoena for records or in the case of this therapist being sued by client. Sexual intimacy is never appropriate in the counseling relationship and should be reported immediately.

I am licensed in the State of California. My license can be verified at  this site.  I adhere to the ethical guidelines set forth by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences and the American Counseling Association. To access counseling services through this web site, clients must be 18 years or older.   Any information gathered during counseling (intakes, progress notes, treatment plans, letters, correspondence, etc) are kept in a secure file. I am the only person who has access to this information, unless you sign a Release of Information to disclose information to a third party. I check e-mail at least every 12 hours. During vacations or prolonged absences, I will make every reasonable effort to provide you with information to access local emergency resources and I will notify you of planned absences.

In case of an emergency (suicidal or homicidal thoughts, intent or plan), you must call 911 or a local mental health crisis line in your community. Online counseling is not a substitute for traditional face-to-face counseling.

Problems not suited for e-counseling /telephone counseling include: psychiatric disorders that cause distortion of reality or psychosis, dissociative disorders, some sexual/gender disorders, eating disorders, current violent relationships, current danger to self or others, some personality disorders. Due to the limitations of online or telephone counseling, there is more possibility for misunderstanding or miscommunication than with traditional face-to-face counseling. I will make every effort to avoid this and will communicate with you as needed for clarification.

If a counseling session is interrupted or not possible due to a technology failure (internet down, phone disconnection), I will make every attempt to contact you via e-mail or telephone as soon as possible to continue or reschedule the session. If our session is interrupted, you will only be charged (by minute) for the time in session with me. Internet and telephone counseling is not currently covered by most insurance companies. If your insurance does cover this service, you must file the claim on your own. I will provide all information, as needed, for filing a claim.

All services are prepaid. Payment is made at the time payment information is entered and submitted on the site..  In the unlikely event that I am unable to attend a scheduled appointment, I will make every reasonable effort to contact you before the appointment to reschedule as soon as possible. You have the right to discontinue counseling at any time and you have a right to seek a second opinion.

Refund Policy – You may receive a full refund for any counseling session (web-cam or telephone) that is canceled (without rescheduling) 24 hours or more before the scheduled appointment. There are no refunds for “no-shows” (It is considered a “no-show” if you are not present/ available at the time of scheduled Web-cam, Telephone appointment) You may also request a full refund if not satisfied with your initial counseling session with me. You must request this refund in writing within 5 calendar days after the date service was rendered.


By checking this box, I have reviewed, understand and agree with the Privacy Agreements and Disclosure Statements above. This box must be checked to proceed to appointment request.

Agree