Privacy Policy & Disclaimer
A. Privacy Policy

I fully respect your right to your confidentiality/privacy. I make every effort to ensure confidentiality for the information that you provide to me. I do not share your personal information of any nature without your written consent. There are some instances in which confidentiality is breached. Those instances being:

1. Danger to Self or Others. (Suicidal or Homicidal thoughts)
2. Child abuse/ Elder abuse
3. Subpoena/ Court order

You understand and agree that information sent over computer technology is not completely secure and can be viewed by third party; although, I am taking every  step to ensure your confidentiality. Any record that is not charted is destroyed after 20 days.

Some steps I take to ensure your confidentiality:

1. I am the only person using my computer.
2. E-mail system I utilize is encrypted. If you would like secure e-mail communication you can sign up for free at www.safe-mail.net
3.  I have firewall software, Spy Sweeper and other programs that enhance the security of our communications.



Tips for Protecting Confidentiality:
   
1. If you are e-mailing from your work, make sure you use secure e-mail service; otherwise Network administrators/employers may be able to access your e-mails.
2. Make sure others do not have access to your passwords if you want to ensure confidentiality of the information communicated.
3. Delete e-mails from hard drive. Empty your Sent, Trash, and Recycle files.
4. Download Antivirus software and install firewall.
5. To Delete record on your computer of the sites you visit, Click Tools, then click Internet options, click menu and then click Delete history.
6. Make sure no one else is on the other line while you are using the phone.

If I were to call you, I will only leave my name on the machine or leave only my name with the third party. I will Not leave a message or disclose any other information. My number will appear as Private or Unknown Caller ID.

If you pay with a Credit Card, the credit charges on your bill will show up as Take Charge. You can contact me at jasminpatel@safe-mail.net for any corrections to your personal information, or to delete it.

 
B. Disclaimer

You have to be 18 and older to access counseling services from Take Charge Online Therapy. Online counseling/therapy is NOT appropriate if you are having suicidal thoughts or homicidal thoughts. Please contact your nearest crisis center or call 911 if you are having thoughts of harming yourself or others. Also, online counseling/therapy is not appropriate if you are suffering from severe mental illness. Please continue to receive whatever services you are receiving from your health care provider.

Online counseling can be viewed as guidance, coaching, and counseling, and is not a substitute for face to face therapy. In online counseling, facial and behavioral cues are absent, as opposed to face to face therapy; although, e-mails can provide you with an opportunity to clarify and express your thoughts comprehensively. Also, e-therapy provides you with flexibility in terms of time and mobility. Also, some may prefer to not go into a therapist’s office, and may feel more comfortable expressing themselves online in the comfort of their own home. In person counseling and online counseling both have pros and cons and you can learn more about them in About Online Counseling section.

By agreeing to initiate and continue services with Take Charge Online Therapy, you understand that the counselor providing services lives in the state of Illinois, and you are seeking services from a counselor licensed in Illinois. You can verify Jasmin Patel’s licensure information at the following website: https://www.idfpr.com/dpr/licenselookup/default.asp

Take Charge Online Therapy takes measures to maintain confidentiality, although electronic/phone communication is not always secure. The e-mail system I utilize is encrypted to protect your confidentiality It is not recommended that you seek services from your place to employment, as some workplaces monitor employee e-mails and web pages visited. Also, please be aware of any coworkers or family members who have access to passwords or computers you use in the counseling process.

For records, copies of e-mails will be kept in a locked cabinet for 2 years post termination. Take Charge Online Therapy will not be held responsible in case of technology failure, (Eg. Power outage, computer crashes, inability to access web page, when e-mails don’t reach their destination, and phone problems that hinder the process of communication between client and counselor.) In case this occurs, and you need immediate help, please call 911 or your nearest crisis center. Take Charge Online Therapy will take every step necessary to get in touch with you after the problem is resolved.

Take Charge Online Therapy is in the standard time zone. You will receive a response within 48 hours of your contact. Hours of operation vary and can be decided upon by the client and the counselor. The services provided by Jasmin Patel are Not covered by any insurances and are Private pay.

Take Charge Online Therapy cannot be held responsible for any actions you choose to take in response to expressed or implied communications on the website, e-mail or phone.

If you initiate or continue services from Take Charge Online Therapy, it means that you Understand and Accept the Privacy Policy and Disclaimer terms and conditions. If you do not agree with the Disclaimer or Privacy Policy terms and conditions, please exit the site.

Click below to Agree with the terms and conditions of Disclaimer and Privacy Policy.
   
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