Purpose of Social Media Policy

This policy outlines how I engage with current and former clients on social media, while also ensuring compliance with ethical obligations and protecting the therapeutic relationship.

Friending and Following

I only accept friend or follow requests on professional social media accounts related to HP Psychotherapy. I do not accept requests or interactions on my personal/private profiles. This helps maintain clear boundaries and protect your confidentiality. Please also note that I will not follow your account back, as doing so could interfere with our therapeutic work together.

Interacting

I do not respond to comments or direct messages on social media. If you’d like to reach me between sessions, please use one of this option:

• Email: counselingwithrachelhopkins@gmail.com (please note email is not a secure form of communication)

I do not monitor messages in real time, so please do not use this for urgent needs.

In Case of Emergency or Crisis

If you are in crisis or need immediate support, please use the following resources:

• National: Dial 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7 nationwide)

• Georgia Residents: Call 1-800-715-4225 (Georgia Crisis & Access Line, GCAL) or visit NAMI Georgia Crisis Resources

• Philadelphia Residents: Call 215-685-6440 or visit NAMI Philly Crisis Resources

• New York Residents: Call (212) 673-3000 (Samaritans Suicide Prevention Hotline) or visit NAMI New York Crisis Resources

Community Guidelines

Questions and comments that encourage healthy conversation are welcome. However, discriminatory remarks (including ableist, xenophobic, homophobic, or otherwise harmful content) will not be tolerated.

In Conclusion

Thank you for reviewing my Social Media Policy. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out and I’ll be glad to clarify.

General Information

The therapeutic relationship is unique—it is both highly personal and a professional agreement. Because of this, it is important that we establish a clear understanding of how our work together will proceed and what each of us can expect. This document provides a framework for our work together. Please feel free to raise any questions or concerns at any time.

The Therapeutic Process

Choosing to begin therapy is a positive and important step. The success of treatment depends largely on your willingness to participate actively in the process. At times, this work may feel uncomfortable. Remembering painful events or becoming more aware of difficult emotions can bring up feelings of sadness, anger, fear, or anxiety.

While therapy is not a “quick fix,” my role is to provide a safe, supportive space where we can work together to explore your patterns, clarify your goals, and find healthier ways of coping. I cannot promise specific outcomes, but I can promise to bring my full professional commitment, care, and expertise to support you in this process.

Confidentiality

Your privacy is extremely important to me. The content of our sessions and related materials are considered confidential and will not be shared without your written permission, except under the following circumstances required by law:

1. If you threaten or attempt suicide, or otherwise place yourself at substantial risk of serious harm.

2. If you threaten grave bodily harm or death to another person.

3. If I have reasonable suspicion that a child under 18 is being abused or neglected.

4. If I have reasonable suspicion that an elderly or dependent adult is being abused or neglected.

5. If I receive a lawful court order (subpoena) requiring disclosure.

6. If you are in treatment by court order or for the purpose of providing an expert’s report.

7. Occasionally, I may consult with other professionals to provide the best care possible. In these cases, your identifying information will not be disclosed.

Accidental Encounters

If we see each other outside of session, I will not initiate contact. This is to protect your privacy and confidentiality. If you choose to acknowledge me, I will respond warmly but will avoid engaging in extended conversation in public settings.

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED, AND HOW YOU CAN ACCESS THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW CAREFULLY.

I. My Pledge Regarding Health Information

Your privacy is very important to me. I create records of the care and services you receive in this practice, both to provide quality care and to comply with legal requirements. This Notice explains:

• How I may use and share your health information

• Your rights regarding your health information

• My legal obligations to protect your information

I am required by law to:

• Keep your protected health information (PHI) private

• Give you this Notice of my duties and privacy practices

• Follow the terms of this Notice currently in effect

I may update this Notice at any time. Updates will apply to all information I maintain and will be available upon request, in my office, and on my website.

II. How I May Use and Disclose Your Health Information

For Treatment, Payment, or Health Care Operations

I may use or disclose your PHI without written authorization in order to:

• Provide treatment (e.g., consultation with another licensed provider)

• Receive payment for services

• Support health care operations such as supervision, training, and quality review

Because therapists need access to the full record to provide effective care, treatment-related disclosures are not limited to the “minimum necessary” standard.

Lawsuits and Disputes

If you are involved in a lawsuit, I may disclose health information in response to a court or administrative order, or in response to a lawful subpoena, provided reasonable efforts have been made to notify you.

III. Uses and Disclosures That Require Your Authorization

Certain types of information will never be shared without your explicit written authorization:

• Psychotherapy Notes: I maintain notes as defined under HIPAA. Any use or disclosure requires authorization, except in limited cases such as supervision, legal defense, or investigation of compliance.

• Marketing: I will not use your PHI for marketing.

• Sale of PHI: I will not sell your PHI.

IV. Uses and Disclosures That Do Not Require Your Authorization

I may use or disclose PHI without your authorization under the following circumstances:

• As required by law (state or federal)

• For public health activities, including mandatory reporting of child, elder, or dependent adult abuse, or to prevent a serious health/safety threat

• For health oversight activities such as audits or investigations

• In response to judicial or administrative proceedings (e.g., court order)

• For law enforcement purposes, such as reporting crimes on premises

• To coroners or medical examiners as authorized by law

• For research purposes, as allowed by law

• For specialized government functions (e.g., military, national security)

• For workers’ compensation purposes

• For appointment reminders or to share information about treatment alternatives or services I offer

V. Uses and Disclosures That Allow You to Object

I may disclose your PHI to family, friends, or others involved in your care or payment unless you object. In emergencies, disclosure may occur without prior consent, with the opportunity to object afterward.

VI. Your Rights Regarding Your PHI

You have the following rights:

• Right to Request Limits: You may ask me not to use or disclose PHI for certain purposes. While I will consider your request, I may decline if it could impact your care.

• Right to Restrict Disclosure for Services Paid in Full: If you pay for services out-of-pocket in full, you may request that information not be shared with your health plan.

• Right to Confidential Communication: You may request that I contact you by specific methods (e.g., phone, address), and I will accommodate reasonable requests.

• Right to Inspect and Copy: You may request a copy (paper or electronic) of your health records, except psychotherapy notes. A reasonable fee may apply.

• Right to an Accounting of Disclosures: You may request a list of certain disclosures I have made in the past six years, other than those related to treatment, payment, or operations.

• Right to Correct or Amend: You may request corrections to your PHI if you believe information is incorrect or incomplete. If denied, I will explain why in writing.

• Right to a Copy of This Notice: You are entitled to both electronic and paper copies of this Notice.

• Right to Appoint a Representative: If you have given someone medical power of attorney or a legal guardian, that person may exercise your rights.

• Right to Revoke Authorization: You may revoke any prior authorizations at any time in writing.

• Right to File a Complaint: If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with me directly or with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), U.S. Department of Health & Human Services:

  • Address: 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20201

  • Phone: (877) 696-6775

  • Online: www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints

You will not face retaliation for filing a complaint.

VII. Changes to This Notice

I may revise the terms of this Notice at any time. Any updates will apply to all information I maintain and will be available in my office and on my website.