Email
Policy . . . . . .
Many of my clients have requested the option of communicating via email.
Because email is a relatively new form of communication for the
psychotherapeutic community, we are still working out the implications of
its use. The following policies are subject to change. Please check back
from time to time to review for changes (current as of 8-25-05).
If you have already read my
email policies (see below) and consent to the use of email as a form of communication,
please
click here.
If you are uncomfortable with email as a form of communication, please
contact my office directly at (425) 455-5400.
Thank you
Confidentiality . . .
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Because email is generally less secure, I
cannot offer the same degree of confidentiality for email correspondence
as I can for other forms of communication.
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When you email me from a given account, I will
assume that it is acceptable to return mail to you at that same email
address. While I will do my best to honor requests to return mail
to a different email address than the address from which your
mail was sent, I do not have a system in place that can guarantee an
error will not be made. Consequently, it's best to refrain from
emailing me from accounts you do no wish me to return mail to. Alternatively, you can avoid embarrassing situations by setting your
email program to list the address you want your mail returned to as the
address that will be accessed when I press the reply button.
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Because email accounts require a third party
to maintain, I cannot guarantee the confidentiality and privacy
protection provided by the vendors involved.
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While I endeavor to protect my computers from
hackers, viruses, worms and other threats to the security of your
correspondence, I regret that I cannot fully assure their protection.
What is a good use of email?
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If you are potential client wanting to know
more about my services or simply want more information about my
practice.
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If you are a client and have a document you would like me to
review or be aware of before our next meeting. It is always a good idea
to bring a paper copy to your next appointment, as I do not always have
an opportunity to access your email.
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If there is a development in your life you
would like me to be aware of, but is not urgent enough to require a
phone call.
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If I have asked you to email me as part of
your homework assignment.
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If you have a quick question that cannot wait
until your next appointment.
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If there is information I need to provide you
with between appointments.
While I do my best to respond to email correspondence in a timely fashion,
it is an additional service that I cannot always keep up with.
Inappropriate uses for email . . .
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As a substitute for therapy sessions. If you
are emailing me about a therapy issue, I will almost always postpone
responding until your next appointment. Additionally, because the
volume of email I receive can be overwhelming, I must treat email much
the same way I would treat a phone call to my office and will bill for
email correspondence requiring more than 15 minutes to process. As with
phone calls, billing will be done in 15 minute increments. NOTE -
THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO NEW CLIENTS SEEKING INFORMATION ABOUT TREATMENT
PROGRAMS or CLASSES.
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While I appreciate the advance notice of
appointment cancellations and/or the need to reschedule your appointment
that email often provides,
to guarantee you will not be
charged a late cancellation fee, all cancellations must be made by phone
within 24 clock hours of your appointment time--thereby assuring I will
receive your message
promptly.
A kind thank you to
those of you who choose to both call and send email.
Please note - while I check my email often, there can be gaps of days at a
time when I am away from my computer. If you are having difficulty reaching
me by email, please call my office at (425) 455-5400.
Informed Consent . . .
I
understand that by initiating email correspondence and/or providing you with
my email address, I am agreeing to use email as an acceptable form of
communication for confidential information.
Email
Me
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