Limits Of Group Therapy
While I can expect many benefits from group therapy, such as symptom management or resolve, support and encouragement, counsel and guidance with the human thought and emotional process and in some cases the neurobiology of such, I fully understand that because of factors beyond our control such benefits and particular outcomes cannot be guaranteed. I understand that because of the counseling I/he/she/they may experience emotional strains, feel worse during treatment, and or may make life changes which may be distressing. I understand that group therapy is not a substitute for in-personal individual counseling.
Confidentiality
While the group facilitator will keep my treatment confidential, unless in the case of the exceptions listed below, I understand that the group facilitator cannot guarantee that the group participants will maintain confidentiality. I understand that the group participants are not obligated to the same ethics and laws as the group facilitator.
I understand the conversations with the group facilitator will be confidential except as allowed by Privacy Policy (HIPPA). I understand there are limits to confidentiality based on payment methods, wireless and electronic communication that I elect toutilize. I further understand that in Florida, law requires that any psychotherapist who has reasonable cause to suspect child or elder abuse, neglect, abandonment or exploitation to report such knowledge to appropriate authorities. I also understand that Florida law allows the confidentiality between client and therapist to be waived when there is a clear and immediate probability of physical harm to the client or to other individuals or society. The group facilitator is mandated to communicate the information only to the potential victim(s), appropriate family members, law enforcement or other appropriate authorities.
If I wish to have any information shared regarding my treatment, I must have a signed release of information on file. While parties may communicate with this practice information regarding myself, my group facilitator will not confirm or deny any relationship with myself. Information will not be shared or exchanged without a signed release of information. If my treatment involves a partner, spouse, family members or other legal adult, no information will be released without written consent of all parties. I can expect my legal rights to be protected.
I understand that my group facilitator cannot provide emergency service at any time, and I have been informed to call 9-1-1 or 2-1-1 in an emergency during business hours, evening hours and on weekends. I understand the group facilitator is a professional resource only. The group facilitator's interventions may be freely accepted or rejected by the client. Therefore, decisions made by the client during and or after counseling is the responsibility of the client. I understand that regular attendance will produce maximum benefit but I have also been informed that as a voluntary client I can discontinue treatment at any time.
I understand that my group facilitator or care coordinator may wish to send appointment reminders via text or email. The confidentiality of this communication cannot be guaranteed. If I wish to communicate only through encrypted HIPPA compliant texting and email it is my responsibility to communicate this with my group facilitator at the time of initiating treatment. I understand that my group facilitator will not accept friend requests or engage in personal social media communication. This denial is a reflection of the highest standard of professional ethics and is not a reflection of anything else. I am free to engage with my group facilitator or Boundless Hope LLC staff via professional social media pages at my own risk.
If at any time, my group facilitator experiences an emergent incapacitation, I consent to a colleague accessing my contact information to cancel or reschedule my services.
I understand that if I see my group facilitator in public, they will not initiate contact with me. If I choose to do so, my group facilitator will respond on the level of relationship based on my lead.
I understand if I participate in electronic treatment provided by a HIPPA compliant format, that the treatment provided can be limited by what the group facilitator can observe in limited view. It is my responsibility to ensure the confidentiality of my setting if I am participating in telehealth. I understand there are circumstances where a group facilitator will not recommend and may choose to not participate in telehealth due to limited ability of assessment, risk of safety or other purposes per their clinical judgment.
I understand at any time my group facilitator feels that my best client care cannot be provided by themselves, they may discontinue treatment. I can expect upon my request, that my group facilitator will provide referrals.