Terms of Service/Counseling Agreement

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Online Counseling and Life Skills

Technology Limitations

Online Counseling and Life Skills (OCLS) main goal is to provide professional counseling services to clients in need. We put a great deal of importance on client confidentiality and privacy. However, despite efforts to provide a private and secure online environment for clients, online or e-therapy may be susceptible to breaches in security by “hackers” or other third party entities, even if sites are secure and encrypted. Therefore, Online Counseling and Life Skills shall not be held liable for any “breaches” in security by third party entities. Further, clients will not hold OCLS liable for “technical issues” that can occur as a result of utilizing the online services of OLCS. Technical problems can include but are not limited to, internet service malfunctions, hackers, “lag-time,” lost information due to a technological malfunction.

Client Responsibility

Clients agree that they are entering into an online counseling relationship completely at their own risk. Clients will not hold OCLS responsible for any decisions that clients choose to make, or how they may interpret or act on guidance given through online therapy. Clients are responsible for and expected to give accurate demographic and clinical information. OCLS shall not be held liable for any issues that arise due to invalid or inaccurate information given by a client.

Confidentiality

Clients shall be aware that complete confidentiality can not be assured when interacting online. As mentioned throughout this site, OCLS will do whatever possible to ensure privacy and security for their clients, however, third party breaches or hackers are out of the control of OCLS. Please take consideration when communicating information electronically due to the above mentioned issues.

In accordance with the law, confidentiality shall be breached if a counselor has reason to believe that a client poses a danger to themselves or others.

OCLS counselors are mandated reporters and must report all forms of abuse or neglect.

Clients who are beyond the scope of Online Counseling

Due to the limitations of online counseling, clients suffering from severe or profound mental health issues are beyond the scope of what online counseling can provide. Clients who suffer with these issues will be best served under the care of a therapist and/or a psychiatrist who can better monitor their situation and medications if necessary.

If at any time during the online counseling process OCLS feels that a client needs more than what online counseling can provide, OCLS will refer said client to a more traditional type of therapy. OCLS will work with clients to obtain appropriate referrals.

Clients experiencing severe emotional disturbances including suicidal or homicidal thoughts are not appropriate for online counseling services.

Clients experiencing suicidal or homicidal thoughts should contact 911 (in USA), your emergency mental health center, other emergency hotlines or agencies, or go to your local emergency department. Click here for mental health resources.

Counseling Agreement/Consent:

1. You must be 18 years of age to receive online counseling services from OCLS. Due to the non-traditional nature of online counseling, OCLS has made the choice to NOT treat minor clients.

2. You agree that you are entering into counseling with OCLS with full knowledge of the technological limitations of online counseling that have been mentioned above.

3. You understand the non-traditional nature of online counseling and that it is subject to technical problems that may temporarily delay or interrupt the counseling process.

4. You agree to be honest and truthful not only with demographic or clinical information requested, but also with your thoughts and feelings related to your issue.

5. You understand the limits to privacy of online counseling and although every attempt is made to provide a secure, private environment, there is the possibility of hackers and other third party breaches in security.

6. In the event of an emergency, you will contact 911 (USA), your local emergency mental health office, or go to the emergency room.

7. You understand that if your counselor feels like your issues are beyond of the scope of her expertise or of online counseling, your counselor will work with you in seeking an appropriate referral that will better meet your needs.

8. You understand the limits to confidentiality as mentioned above and the mandates by which OCLS must abide.

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