Policies & Information
Communication
Simple Practice is a software that each therapist at WSCC&C uses to manage electronic health records and to confidentially communicate with clients. HIPAA-compliant communication can be guaranteed through use of Hushmail email with secure encryption and through the client portal.
Once established as a client, it is expected that all communication take place through the client portal. Clients are expected to set up a client portal user and password in order to communicate with therapist and schedule/cancel/reschedule appointments.
Court Appearances
At this time, any therapist at Whitney Smith Christian Counseling & Consulting, PLLC chooses not enter into a counseling relationship with any client seeking court-related services.
Due to the nature of the therapeutic process and the fact that it often involves making a full disclosure with regard to many matters which may be of confidential nature, it is agreed that should there be legal proceedings (such as, but not limited to divorce and custody disputes, injuries, lawsuits, etc.) neither you (client) nor your attorney, nor anyone else acting on your behalf will call on Whitney or Melody to testify in court or at any other proceeding, nor will a disclosure of the counseling/psychotherapy records be requested unless otherwise agreed upon in writing. If the above can not be agreed upon, Whitney Smith Christian Counseling & Consulting, PLLC will refer services to a provider that can best meet this need.
Should you choose to violate the above agreement, the counseling relationship will immediately terminate and a referral will be offered.
Dual Relationships
The professional, confidential relationship required for therapy limits other contact with Whitney outside of the counseling appointment including other business or social settings including any form of social media. While Whitney Smith Christian Counseling & Consulting has a professional Facebook page, no other form of social media will be utilized in the counselor/client relationship. This can be discussed further during initial appointment if further questions exist.
Ethical Concerns
Although clients are encouraged to discuss any concerns with the counselor, you may file a complaint against the practice with the organization below, should you feel Whitney or Melody is in violation of any of these codes of ethics. We abide by the ACA Code of Ethics (http://www.counseling.org/Resources/aca-code-of-ethics.pdf).
North Carolina Board of Licensed Professional Counselors
P.O. Box 77819, Greensboro, NC 27417
Phone: 844-622-3572 or 336-217-6007
Fax: 336-217-9450
E-mail: Complaints@ncblpc.org
Minors & Parents
**Whitney does not enter into counseling relationship with anyone under age 18 beginning January 1, 2023.
In the event that a minor client has a custody agreement, it is required that the following be provided to provider at the first session:
1. A current copy of the most recent custody agreement
2. Each parent/guardian, as dictated in the custody agreement, sign and date all forms in the minor intake packet.
In addition, professional boundaries will be discussed during the intake that will outline the expectations of parent(s)/guardian(s), minor, and therapist concerning communication, session attendance, and privileged information.
**It is important to note that in the circumstance where a minor is in the custody of divorced parents, both parents must consent to services and indicate consent by signing all authorized forms provided in the intake packet. Services will not be rendered unless parent(s)/guardian(s) provide all signatures requested.
Professional counseling services will not be rendered until the above is provided.