Smiling Hearts And Minds Private Practice Social Media Policy
This document outlines the policies of Smiling Hearts And Minds regarding the use of social media. Please read it carefully to understand how we interact on the Internet as mental health professionals and what you can expect from us regarding online interactions.
If you have any questions about this document, please bring them up during our sessions. As new technology evolves and the Internet changes, we may update this policy. You will be notified in writing of any changes and provided with an updated copy.
Friending
We do not accept friend or contact requests from current or former clients on any social networking site (Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.). Adding clients as friends or contacts can compromise confidentiality and privacy. It may also blur the boundaries of our therapeutic relationship. If you have any questions about this, please discuss them with us during your session.
Professional Pages
We maintain a Facebook Page and other social media profiles for Smiling Hearts And Minds to share blog posts and practice updates. All information shared on these pages is also available on our website. You are welcome to view, read, or share our posts, but we do not accept clients as Fans of these pages. This policy is to protect your confidentiality and to avoid the appearance of soliciting testimonials, which is prohibited by ethical guidelines.
Following
We publish blog posts and share psychology news on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram. There is no expectation for clients to follow these accounts. If you choose to follow us and we recognize your name, we may discuss its potential impact on our working relationship. For privacy, consider following us via RSS feed or a locked Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok list to avoid a public link to our content.
We do not follow current or former clients on social media. Viewing clients’ online content can create confusion about the therapeutic boundaries and may negatively influence our working relationship. If you wish to share something from your online life, please bring it to your session.
Interacting
Please do not use SMS (text messaging) or social networking sites to contact us. These methods are not secure and may not be read in a timely manner. Public interactions online can compromise your confidentiality and may become part of your legal medical record.
For contact between sessions, please use phone or direct email for quick administrative issues, such as changing appointment times. More information on email interactions is provided below.
Use of Search Engines
We do not search for clients online unless there is a crisis and traditional methods of contact have failed. In such rare cases, searching online may be necessary to ensure your welfare. Any such actions will be documented and discussed with you during your next session.
Business Review Sites
You may find Smiling Hearts And Minds listed on review sites like PsychologyToday, Facebook, or Google Maps. These listings are not a request for testimonials, ratings, or endorsements from clients. Ethical guidelines prohibit soliciting testimonials from clients.
You have the right to express yourself on these sites. However, we cannot respond to any reviews due to confidentiality. If you choose to write a review, be mindful of sharing personally revealing information. Consider using a pseudonym for your privacy.
If you have concerns about our work together, we encourage you to discuss them directly with us in your sessions. If you believe we have acted unethically and do not feel comfortable discussing it with us, you can contact the relevant licensing board.
Location-Based Services
We do not place our practice as a check-in location on location-based services like Facebook check-in. Be aware that using GPS-enabled services on your device may inadvertently reveal your therapy attendance. Please consider this risk when using such services.
We prefer to use email only for scheduling or modifying appointments. Email is not completely secure or confidential. Emails may be retained in the logs of Internet service providers and can theoretically be read by system administrators. Any emails exchanged may become part of your legal record. Please do not email content related to your therapy sessions.
Conclusion
Thank you for reviewing our Social Media Policy. If you have any questions or concerns about these policies or our potential interactions online, please discuss them with us during your sessions. Your privacy and the integrity of our therapeutic relationship are our primary concerns.
Contact Information: Smiling Hearts And Minds
232 Main Road East, St. Albans, VIC 3021
Phone: 0449 521 397
Email: info@theshm.com.au
Website: theshm.com.au
Version 1 / August 2023
Adapted from Dr. Keely Kolmes’ Social Media Policy Template