Welcome

This Privacy Practice Policy explains how I use and protect information about you in my private practice. I provide both in-person and telehealth services. My goal is to support your privacy, confidentiality, and safety while giving you clear information about how your information may be used.

Confidentiality

Information you share in therapy is private and confidential. I will not release your information without your written permission except when required or permitted by law. These exceptions may include situations involving:

- Suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or dependent adult
- Serious risk of harm to yourself or someone else
- Court orders or other legal requirements
- Consultation with other professionals involved in your care, when appropriate and with your authorization or as allowed by law

Records

I maintain records of our sessions and related treatment information. These records help me provide quality care and are kept secure. I take reasonable steps to protect your information from unauthorized access.

Uses and Disclosures of Information

I may use or share your information for the following purposes:

- To provide and coordinate your treatment
- To obtain payment for services
- To manage my practice and keep it running safely and effectively
- To consult with another licensed professional when clinically appropriate
- To comply with legal or ethical obligations

If I need to use or share your information for any purpose not described here, I will ask for your written authorization first.

Telehealth Privacy

Telehealth services allow us to meet by secure video from separate locations. While I use reasonable safeguards to protect your privacy, telehealth involves some risks, including:

- Interruption or technical problems
- The possibility of someone else being present near you or near me without either of us knowing
- Risks related to electronic communication and internet-based services

To help protect your privacy during telehealth sessions, please:

- Be in a private, quiet location
- Use a secure internet connection when possible
- Let me know right away if someone else may be able to hear or see you
- Avoid using public or shared devices whenever possible

Email, Text, and Phone Communication

Email and text may be used for scheduling and limited communication. These methods may not be fully secure. Please avoid including highly sensitive information in emails or texts. If you contact me by email or text, you are accepting some risk to privacy.

Appointments, Cancellations, and Fees

I ask that you provide at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. If you do not cancel within 24 hours, you may be charged the full session fee.

If you arrive late, the session will still end at the scheduled time unless I am able to extend it.

After-Hours Contact and Emergencies

I am generally available during normal business hours. If you are unable to reach me after hours, between 8:00 PM and 8:00 AM, or if you are experiencing a crisis, please contact:

- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
- If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room

I do not provide emergency services by email, text, or voicemail.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

- Ask for a copy of your records, as permitted by law
- Request corrections to your records
- Ask me to limit certain uses or disclosures of your information
- Ask questions about how your information is protected

Questions or Concerns

If you have questions about this policy or how your information is handled, please contact me:

Kristen Everett, LMFT
Phone: 650-469-3809
Email: kristenceverettlmft@gmail.com

By participating in services, you acknowledge that you have had the opportunity to review this Privacy Practice Policy.