Therapy Privacy Policy

Therapy Confidentiality  and Record Keeping

 Confidentiality is an essential part of all counseling and psychotherapy. Conscious Strides, PLLC holds all records and personal contact details securely and will ensure confidentiality in the treatment of any information held about its clients, in line with the NASW Code of Ethics.  All information recorded and held is solely for the purpose of  maintaining effective therapeutic treatment. 

Like all citizens of DC, I am a mandated reporter. This means, if I am made aware of any concerns about child abuse or neglect, I must contact the appropriate authorities.

What data do I hold and why?

 I hold the contact data from your initial assessment sheet so that I can contact you.

I record information about what you tell me in our sessions depending on the protocol we are using.  Often, I record only brief notes and these act as an 'aide memoire' so that I can review the course of your therapy as time progresses. 

I record the number of sessions you have and the payments you make for business purposes in Squarespace Scheduling, which is HIPAA Compliant. 

I will discuss with you how you like to be contacted, and it is important that while you remain a client you notify me if any of these details change.

How is it stored?

Data held electronically is on a personal computer and stored locally in a password protected account. 

Your records are held for as long as is necessary for the purpose for which they were collected. Clients have the 'right to be forgotten'  however, and within a month of receiving a written request all their records will be erased.

Who is it shared with?

All information will be kept confidential unless the client and therapist agree to discuss something with a third party. Where appropriate a consent form will be used. The only reasons for breaking confidentiality would be if the therapist considered that your life was at risk, if another person’s life was at risk or if the therapist was liable to civil or criminal court proceedings if the information was not disclosed. If at all possible this would be discussed beforehand.   

In the event of my being unable to contact you (eg through sudden incapacity) a trusted person has access to my client list and will contact you directly.  This is also a professional requirement. If I experience any data breaches, I will inform you as soon as possible.

 Access

 Clients can access their records by making a verbal or written request.  Clients agreement and consent will be sought for the purpose of communication related to their therapy arrangement.  If I experience any data breaches, I will inform you as soon as possible.