Communication/Privacy Policy

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At Amanda Dobler Counseling, your privacy, safety, and clarity of communication are important to us. This policy outlines how we communicate with clients outside of sessions, including accepted methods, availability, and limitations. By engaging in services, you acknowledge and agree to the terms below.

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1. Phone Communication

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• Business Hours: Calls are typically returned during business hours Monday–Friday. We are not available 24/7.

• Voicemail: You may leave a voicemail with your name, number, and a brief message. We aim to return messages within 1–2 business days.

• Crisis/Emergencies: We do not provide crisis or emergency services by phone. In case of emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

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2. Text Messaging (SMS)

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• Purpose: SMS (text messaging) may be used for administrative purposes only. This includes:

• Appointment confirmations and reminders

• Scheduling changes or cancellations

• Office closures or holiday notifications

• Billing-related alerts (e.g., invoice reminders)

• General administrative updates (e.g., new policies, clinician availability)

• No Clinical Use: Text messaging is not used for therapeutic communication, clinical concerns, or emergencies.

• Consent & Intake Forms: By providing your mobile number, you agree to receive SMS messages as outlined above. This consent is also included in the Privacy Practices section of your intake paperwork.

• Opt-Out Option: You may opt out of SMS communications at any time by replying “STOP” to any message or contacting our office directly.

• Message Frequency: Frequency varies based on scheduling and office communication needs, typically limited to 1–4 messages per month unless more frequent communication is requested by you for coordination of care.

• Disclaimer: Text messaging is not a secure or encrypted form of communication and may carry privacy risks. By consenting to SMS, you acknowledge that you understand the limitations of text-based communication. For more on how your information is used and protected, please refer to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service located in your client portal.

• The details shared by the customers would not be shared to third party or would not be sold for the promotional purposes.

• No Mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. All the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties. You can opt out at any time by replying STOP. Message and data rates may apply.

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3. Email Communication

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• Administrative Use Only: Email is used for scheduling, billing, and other non-clinical matters. It is not appropriate for therapeutic conversations.

• HIPAA Considerations: Standard email is not encrypted. If you prefer secure email communication, please request it.

• Response Time: Emails are typically answered within 1–2 business days. If a matter is urgent, please call instead.

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4. Client Portal or Secure Messaging

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• If you are provided with access to a secure client portal, this is the preferred method for sensitive communication and documentation.

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5. Social Media and Boundaries

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• No Social Media Contact: To protect your confidentiality and maintain professional boundaries, I do not accept friend/follow requests from clients on personal or professional social media accounts.

• No Messaging via Social Media: Do not use social media to contact your therapist for clinical or scheduling issues.

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6. Video/Telehealth Communication

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• Telehealth sessions are conducted through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform.

• Please ensure you are in a private, quiet location for sessions. If you experience technical issues, we will attempt to reconnect or follow up via phone.

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7. Emergencies and After-Hours Contact

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• This practice does not offer emergency or after-hours services.

• If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, please:

  • Call 911

  • Go to your nearest emergency room

  • Contact the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988

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8. Communication Acknowledgment

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By starting services with Amanda Dobler Counseling, you acknowledge that you have read and understand this communication policy. You agree to use communication methods responsibly and understand the limitations and risks involved.

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Questions?
Please feel free to reach out to Amanda Dobler, LMHC, LMFT, QS at:
📞 850.737.3379
📧 amanda@amandadoblercounseling.com