Electronic Communication Policy

Online Platforms and Applications:

Your use of online platforms such as BetterHelp, Venmo, PayPal, Google Meet, Zoom, etc. for the delivery of and payment for psychotherapy services is at your sole discretion. I will only contact you via the username you provide, and I assume that only you have access to that account. I make every effort to ensure that our interactions on these platforms protect your confidentiality. Please keep in mind that the electronic transmission of information cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free and its confidentiality may be vulnerable to access by unauthorized third parties. I encourage you to review the privacy practices and policies of these platforms and make sure you are aware if they are updated.

Email Communications and Text Messaging:

I use email communication and text messaging only with your permission and only for administrative purposes, unless we have made another agreement. Email exchanges and text messages with me should be limited to topics like scheduling and changing appointments and billing matters. If you decide to email or text me about clinical matters, keep in mind that these are not secure ways to contact me. You should also be aware that any messages we exchange, and any documents you send to me, will become part of your clinical record. You are always welcome to call me to discuss clinical matters over the phone, or wait until your next session.

Social Media:

I do not communicate with, or contact, any of my clients through social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. If I discover that I have accidentally established an online relationship with you, I will remove that connection. These types of casual social contacts can create significant security risks for you.

I participate on various social networks, socially and/or professionally. If you have an online presence, there is a possibility that you may encounter me by accident. If that occurs, please discuss it with me during our time together. I believe that any communications with clients online has the potential to compromise our professional relationship. In addition, please do not try to contact me in this way. I will not respond and will terminate any online connection.

Internet Searches:

I will not use Internet searches to gather information about you without your permission because I believe this violates your privacy rights. However, I understand that you might choose to gather information about me in this way. If you encounter any information about me through internet searches, please discuss it with me during our sessions so we can discuss any potential impact on your treatment. Information is best gathered directly. If there is information you would like to know regarding my background and training, you are always welcome to ask.

Websites:

I have a website that you are free to access (www.reneegaubert.com). I use it for professional reasons to provide information to others about me and my practice. I also have a website generated by the BetterHelp platform (www.betterhelp.com/renee-gaubert). You are welcome to access and review the information, and if you have questions, we can discuss them during your therapy sessions.

Reviews:

You may find my practice on sites such as Yelp, Healthgrades, Google, or other sites which list businesses. Some of these sites include forums in which users rate their providers and add reviews. Please know that my listing on any site is not a request for a testimonial, rating, or endorsement from you as my client. My licensing board prohibits me from soliciting client reviews. Of course, you have a right to express yourself on any site you wish. If we are working together on BetterHelp, you may be asked by the platform to write a review and/or provide feedback about our work together, and you are welcome to do so. But due to confidentiality restrictions, I cannot respond to any review on any site whether it is positive or negative. I hope that you will bring your feelings and reactions to our work directly into the therapy process. This can be an important part of therapy, even if you decide we are not a good fit.