Tele-counseling involves the use of electronic communications to enable health care providers at different locations to share individual patient medical information for the purpose of improving client care. Providers may include any licensed mental health practitioners. The information may be used for diagnosis, therapy, follow-up and/or education, and may include any of the following:
• Client therapy records
• Live two-way audio and video
• Output data from computer or medical devices and sound and video files
Electronic systems used will incorporate network and software security protocols to protect the confidentiality of client identification and information and will include measures to safeguard the data and to ensure its integrity against intentional or unintentional corruption.
I understand I have the following rights under this agreement:
I have a right to confidentiality with Telehealth under the same laws that protect the confidentiality of my mental health information for in-person psychotherapy. Any information disclosed by me during the course of my therapy, therefore, is generally confidential.
There are, by law, exceptions to confidentiality, including mandatory reporting of child, elder, and dependent adult abuse and any threats of violence I may make towards a reasonably identifiable person. I also understand that if I am in such mental or emotional condition to be a danger to myself or others, my therapist has the right to break confidentiality to prevent the threatened danger. Further, I understand that the dissemination of any personally identifiable images or information from the Telehealth interaction to any other entities shall not occur without my written consent.
I understand that, while psychotherapeutic treatment of all kinds has been found to be effective in treating a wide range of mental health issues and disorders, personal and relational issues, there is no guarantee that all treatment of all clients will be effective. Thus, I understand that, while I may benefit from Telehealth, results cannot be guaranteed or assured.
I further understand that there are risks unique and specific to Telehealth, including, but not limited to, the possibility that our therapy sessions or other communication by my therapist to others regarding my treatment could be disrupted or distorted by technical failures or could be interrupted or could be accessed by unauthorized persons. In addition, I understand that Telehealth treatment is different from in-person therapy and that if my therapist believes I would be better served by another form of psychotherapeutic services, such as in-person treatment, I will be referred to a therapist at Counseling Services of Portland who may provide such services.
I have read and understand the information provided above. I have the right to discuss any of this information with my therapist and to have any questions I may have regarding my treatment answered to my satisfaction.
I understand that I can withdraw my consent to Telehealth communications by providing notification to my therapist or Counseling Services of Portland. My signature below indicates that I have read this Agreement and agree to its terms.