Confidentiality Policy

The information shared in counseling sessions is kept confidential and will not be shared without your consent, except in the following cases:

• Consent/Request: You direct us to share information with someone else, and we agree to do so.
• Threat to Yourself or Others: We determine you are a danger to yourself or others.
• Mandated by Court of Law: We are ordered by a court to disclose information.
• Abuse: You disclose abuse of a child, disabled person, or elderly person.
• Sexual Exploitation: You report that a previous therapist sexually exploited you.
• Supervision: Other reasons as specified by state laws.

Confidentiality does not extend to criminal proceedings or legitimate subpoenas in civil proceedings. A written record of our counseling sessions will be maintained. We may consult with a supervisor to enhance our ability to help you, and they are bound by the same confidentiality standards.

Social Media Policy

Faiths Counseling Center of Hope & Healing LLC maintains social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest) to share practice information, news, and event updates. This policy ensures your privacy while allowing you to engage with our content.

• Friending: Therapists cannot accept “friend” requests from current or former clients on personal social media accounts to protect your confidentiality and maintain professional boundaries.
• Liking/Following: You may “like” or “follow” our social media pages, but be aware that these are public spaces, and your interactions may be visible to others. Therapists cannot follow clients to avoid ethical conflicts.
• Contacting: Do not contact your clinician via social media messaging systems (e.g., Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Twitter) due to poor security. Use secure methods like phone or email instead.
• Reviews: Refrain from posting online reviews of your clinician’s services to protect your confidentiality.

Service Fees Policy

Our current fees are as follows:

*Fees are subject to change at the counselor’s discretion.

Services are private pay. We can provide a superbill for out-of-network insurance benefits. Payment is required before your appointment, and sessions will not proceed without prior payment. Private pay offers greater privacy and flexibility in treatment decisions, as insurance often requires a diagnosis and limits sessions. We accept all major credit cards.

Contact Policy

Contact your clinician via phone (513-859-6518), leaving confidential voicemails, email, or text. Responses may take 24-48 hours on weekdays. If your clinician is out of town, alternative contact numbers will be provided. Text-based communications may become part of your record.

Termination Policy

If you stop therapy abruptly, your clinician will attempt to contact you twice via phone. A final “termination” session is recommended to reflect on progress and achieve closure. You may return to counseling at any time. A closure session is advised before taking a temporary break.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations or rescheduling require 24-hour notice. Less than 24-hour notice or no-shows incur an $85 cancellation fee or the full appointment fee, respectively. Exceptions may be made for emergencies (e.g., severe weather, sudden illness).

Professional Relationship Policy

To maintain a professional relationship, clinicians will not acknowledge you in public unless you initiate contact, preserving your privacy. Our focus is on your healing journey.

Inclement Weather Policy

In case of inclement weather (e.g., snowstorm, ice storm under 32°F), check your email for appointment updates. Appointments may be moved to telehealth, canceled, or rescheduled. Cancellations due to weather require three hours’ notice to avoid fees. Contact your clinician if you have concerns.

Technology Policy

Email and text communications carry security risks. By using them, you consent to the risks and potential inclusion in your record. Use secure devices to protect your privacy. Third parties may intercept communications if non-recommended methods are used.

Telehealth Policy

Privacy Protocol: Use a private, safe environment for telehealth sessions. If someone enters your space, acknowledge them, and your clinician will disconnect to protect your privacy. Discuss alternative protocols with your clinician if needed.

Limitations of Telehealth:

• Not a substitute for in-person counseling or medical treatment.
• May lack visual/audio cues, leading to misunderstandings.
• Subject to service disruptions or technology quality issues.
• Not suitable for crises, acute psychosis, or suicidal/homicidal thoughts.
• Secure chat/text may have delays or fail to deliver.

Emergency Management: Inform your clinician of your session location and any changes. Provide an emergency contact who can assist in a crisis, including calling 911 or transporting you to a hospital if necessary. A safe environment is required during treatment.

Backup Plan: Have a phone available as a backup. If disconnected from a video session, attempt to reconnect within five minutes or call your clinician. If no contact is made within ten minutes, your clinician may call you.

Client Participation:

• Avoid mind-altering substances before sessions.
• Ensure a safe, private environment.
• Do not have others in the room without prior discussion.
• Refrain from activities like driving during sessions.
• Do not record sessions without clinician approval.
• Inform your clinician if outside Ohio for licensing compliance.
• Minors require a parent/guardian at the location unless agreed otherwise.