Terms and Conditions

TERMS & cONDITIONS

This site is committed to maintaining your privacy and confidentiality. Confidential records are maintained and secured in accordance with the state of Illinois licensing board’s ethical regulations. Information is stored for a period prescribed by law or recommended by regulators. Only I have access to your records. All personal information shared is confidential except when information shared includes intentions to harm oneself or others, records are being subpoenaed, records are court ordered, or there is child or elder abuse.

Theresasays.com reserves the right to make changes to this Privacy Policy on how your information is shared at any given time (privacy policy). If theresasays.com decides to make use of any personal information on file in a way vastly different from which was stated when this information was initially collected, you will be notified by email. You will then have the option to permit the use of your information.

This site is not a substitute for in depth face-to-face psychotherapy. Online therapy/coaching is limited due to the inability to read facial and body language cues. Other restrictions can include a therapist’s/coach’s decreased ability to make adequate diagnoses and treatment, a risk of miscommunication, and delays in response due to technical or network breakdowns. Alternatives to on-line counseling/coaching include receiving mental health services in person or talking to a friend or relative.

There are numerous benefits to on-line therapy/coaching. Often people are less inhibited than if they were in person. On-line therapy/coaching allows one to continue, or to experience counseling, while traveling or in remote locations. Although there are benefits from online therapy/coaching the results cannot be guaranteed or assured.

Online therapy/coaching does not provide emergency services. If experiencing an emergency situation, you are suicidal or homicidal, or know someone who is, dial 911 immediately or proceed to the nearest hospital emergency room for help. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline number is 1-800-273-8255.

You must be 18 years of age or older to use this site.

Theresasays.com is not liable for any damages or losses of any nature resulting from services provided or arising from the use of this service provided due to software, viruses, or technical failures. Encryption technology, user name and passcode entry, separate fire-wall protection, SSL secure servers are utilized.

Theresasays.com does not share private information with third parties. Any information you reveal to a third party site linked from theresasays.com is not subject to this privacy statement. If you visit a website that is linked to theresasays.com, review its privacy policy before providing the site with information.

By using this site, you agree to the terms and conditions of this site. You acknowledge the limits inherent in ensuring client confidentiality of information transmitted through on-line therapy/coaching despite efforts of theresasays.com to arrange a secure on-line environment.

Cancelations must be made within twenty four hours for a full refund. Cancelations must be delivered by email to theresa@theresasays.com. Refunds only apply to services not commenced.

PRIVACY POLICY

I hereby consent to engage in online therapy/coaching with Theresa Bjerklie, LCPC, LPC, MAC. I understand that “online therapy/coaching” includes treatment, emails, texts, telephone conversations, and education using interactive audio, video, or data communications.

I understand that I have the following rights with respect to online therapy/coaching:

I have the right to withhold or withdraw consent at any time without affecting my rights to future care.

The laws that protect the confidentiality of my medical information also apply to online therapy/coaching. As such, I understand that the information disclosed by me during the course of my online therapy/coaching is generally confidential. However, there are both mandatory exceptions to confidentiality.

I understand that there are risks and consequences from online therapy/coaching, including, but not limited to, the possibility, despite reasonable efforts that the transmission of my information could be disrupted or distorted by technical failures, the transmission of my information could be interrupted by unauthorized persons, and/or the electronic storage of my information could be accessed by unauthorized persons.

In addition, I understand that online therapy/coaching based services and care may not be as complete as face-to-face services. I also understand that if it is believed I would be better served by another form of therapeutic service (e.g. face-to-face services) I will be referred to another professional who can provide such services in my area. Finally, I understand that there are potential risks and benefits associated with any form of online therapy/coaching and that despite my efforts and the efforts of theresasays.com, my condition may not improve, and in some cases may even worsen.

I understand that I may benefit from online therapy/coaching, but that results cannot be guaranteed or assured.

I accept that online therapy/coaching does not provide emergency services. If I am experiencing an emergency situation, I understand that I can call 911 or proceed to the nearest hospital emergency room for help. If I am having suicidal thoughts or making plans to harm myself I can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for free 24 hour hotline support.

I understand that I am responsible for providing the necessary telephone with proper charge and reception or computer and internet access if using a video platform for my online therapy/coaching sessions, the information security on my phone or computer, and arranging a location with sufficient lighting and privacy that is free from distractions or intrusions for my online therapy/coaching session.

I understand that if I agree to choose video platforms such as Skype or FaceTime that these platforms are not encrypted, therefore my confidentiality is not guaranteed.

I understand that while email, phone, or text may be used to communicate, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.

I have read, understand, and agree to the information provided.

Counseling.org