Blue Lotus Counseling Terms of Service
Technology Limitations
Blue Lotus Counseling Services provides professional counseling services to clients in need. Every effort is made to acknowledge the importance of client confidentiality and privacy. Yet there are limitations as to how private an online interaction can be, and clients should be aware that e-therapy is susceptible to breaches in security. Blue Lotus Counseling Services will not be held liable for any lapses in security by third party entities. Clients participating in online therapy will not hold Blue Lotus Counseling Services liable for any technical issues that arise as a result of utilizing the online services provided. Technical problems may include internet service malfunctions, hackers or lost information due to a technological malfunction.
Client Responsibility
Clients agree that they are entering into an online counseling relationship completely at their own risk. Clients will not hold Blue Lotus Counseling Services responsible for any decisions that clients choose to make, or how they may interpret or act on guidance given through online therapy. Clients are responsible for and expected to give accurate demographic and clinical information. Blue Lotus Counseling Services will not be held liable for any issues that arise out of invalid or misleading information given by a client.
Confidentiality
In accordance with the law, confidentiality shall be breached if a counselor has reason to believe that a client poses a danger to themselves or others.
All counselors, including those working for Blue Lotus Counseling Services, are mandated reporters and must report all forms of abuse or neglect.
Clients who are beyond the scope of Online Counseling
Due to the limitations of online counseling, clients suffering from severe or profound mental health issues are beyond the scope of what online counseling can provide. Clients who suffer with these issues will be best served under the care of a therapist and/or a psychiatrist who can better monitor their situation and medications if necessary.
If at any time during the online counseling process, a counselor at Blue Lotus feels that a client needs more than what online counseling can provide, Blue Lotus Counseling Services will refer said client to a more traditional type of therapy. Blue Lotus counselors will work with clients to find appropriate referrals when possible.
Clients experiencing severe emotional disturbances including suicidal or homicidal thoughts are not appropriate for online counseling services.
Clients experiencing suicidal or homicidal thoughts should contact 911 (in USA), your emergency mental health center, other emergency hotlines or agencies, or go to your local emergency department.
Counseling Agreement/Consent:
- You must be 18 years of age to receive online counseling services from Blue Lotus. Due to the non-traditional nature of online counseling, we do not treat minor clients.
- You agree that you are entering into counseling with Blue Lotus with full knowledge of the technological limitations of online counseling that have been mentioned above.
- You understand the non-traditional nature of online counseling and that it is subject to technical problems that may temporarily delay or interrupt the counseling process.
- You agree to be honest and truthful not only with demographic or clinical information requested, but also with your thoughts and feelings related to your issue.
- You understand the limits to privacy of online counseling and although every attempt is made to provide a secure, private environment, there is the possibility of hackers and other third party breaches in security.
- In the event of an emergency, you will contact 911 (USA), your local emergency mental health office, or go to the emergency room.
- You understand that if your counselor feels like your issues are beyond of the scope of her expertise or of online counseling, your counselor will work with you in seeking an appropriate referral that will better meet your needs.
- You understand the limits to confidentiality as mentioned above and the mandates by which all mental health counselors must abide.
Contracting with Blue Lotus Counseling Services constitutes acceptance and consent of the above terms of service.
