DECLARATION OF PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES

Denise Flack, MS, LPC

Emergency Situations: The online counseling service provided by Denise Flack is not intended for crisis situations and/or urgent needs. In case of an emergency or crisis situation, the Client agrees to call 911, or 1-800-273-TALK 24 hours a day, call local emergency services, or visit a local emergency facility.

Qualifications: I earned a Master of Science degree in Counselor Education from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2008. I am licensed as an LPC #5930 with the Louisiana LPC Board of Examiners, located at 11410 Lake Sherwood Ave North Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA, 708816, (225) 295-8444.

Counseling Relationship: I see counseling as a process in which you the Client, and I, the Counselor having come to understand and trust one another, work as a team to explore and define present problem situations, develop future goals for an improved life and work in a systematic fashion toward realizing those goals.

Therapeutic Approach, Areas of Focus, and Clients Served: I approach counseling from a cognitive-behavioral perspective in that patterns of thoughts and actions are explored in order to better understand the client's problems and to develop solutions. I focus on issues like depression, grief, anxiety, stress, relationship, conflict resolution, life adjustments, etc. I work mostly with adults in individual or couple's sessions.

Services Offered: All regular communication between the Client and the Counselor happens on the counseling platform. The Client can contact the Counselor between sessions via text messages and schedule live phone, chat, or video sessions on the platform. If we have a technical problem during a live session, we can try to reconnect, communicate via text messages or phone, or reschedule the session.

Fees and Billing Procedures: When a session is scheduled on the counseling platform, an invoice for that session will be issued and can be paid on the platform anytime before the session begins. For sessions cancelled or rescheduled in less than 24 hours from the scheduled time, the Client will be charged a 25 dollar short notice cancellation/rescheduling fee. Clients no shows will be charged a 30 dollar fee.

Privacy and Limits to Confidentiality: Material revealed in counseling will remain strictly confidential except for material shared under the following circumstances, in accordance with State law:

1.       The client signs a written release of information indicating informed consent of such release.

2.       The client expresses intent to harm him/herself or someone else.

3.       There is reasonable suspicion of abuse/neglect against a minor child, elderly person (60 or older), or dependent adult.

4.       A court order is received directing the disclosure of information.

In the event of couple's counseling, information obtained from an adult client individually may be shared with the client's spouse or partner.

Privileged Communication: It is my policy to assert privileged communication on behalf of the client and the right to consult with the client if at all possible, except during an emergency, before mandated disclosure. I will endeavor to apprise clients of all mandated disclosures as conceivable.

Coordination of Care: The Counselor can only consult and/or coordinate care with other professionals with the Client's written consent.

Client Identification, Responsibilities, and Location: In the beginning of a live session, the Client will be asked to show his/her ID for identity and location verification. All clients must be located in the state of Louisiana at the time of a live session. You, the Client are a full partner in counseling. Your honesty and effort are essential to success. As we work together, if you have suggestions or concerns about your counseling, I expect you to share these with me so that we can make the necessary adjustments. If I determine that you would be better served by another mental health provider, I will help you with the referral process. If you are currently receiving services from another mental health professional, I expect you to inform me of this and you can choose to grant me permission to share information with this professional so that we may coordinate our services to you.

Code of Conduct: As an LPC, I am required by law to adhere to the Code of Conduct for practice as an LPC that has been adopted by my licensing board, the Louisiana LPC Board of Examiners. A copy of the Code of Conduct is available to you upon request.

Physical Health: Physical Health can be an important factor in the emotional well-being of an individual. If you have not had a physical examination in the last year, it is recommended that you do so. Also, please provide me with a list of any medications that you are currently taking.

Information and Record Keeping: The information exchanged between the Counselor and the Client is kept encrypted on the counseling platform under HIPPA compliant standards.

Potential Counseling Risk: The client should be aware that counseling poses potential risks. In the course of working together, processing emotional issues can sometimes cause some emotional discomfort. Besides that, additional problems may surface of which you were not initially aware. It can be part of the process for some people and if this occurs, you should feel free to share these concerns with me.

Risks of Teletherapy: Although the technology and safety protocols used were designed for heath care and are in compliance with HIPPA standards, the Client understands that every use of technology involves some risks to confidentiality.

Limitations Across State Lines: The Counselor can only practice in the state of Louisiana and offer online counseling services to Clients residing in the same State and physically located within State limits.

I understand that when I confirm my approval of these statements in the Declaration of Practices and Procedures of Denise Flack, MS, LPC, that is the equivalent of my electronic signature, which indicates MY FULL INFORMED CONSENT to services provided by Denise Flack, MS, LPC.