MARK SMITH MSW ~ RSW

In these times of COVID-19 all sessions are done on telehealth platforms through video conferencing. 

CONFIDENTIALITY AND INFORMED CONSENT AGREEMENT

I am a Registered Clinical Social Worker, with the BC College of Social Workers (#03239) and abide by their Ethics and Standards of Practice (www.bccsw.ca). Any complaints can be directed to this College. I am also a member of the BC Association of Social Workers (www.bcasw.org).

My clients have the right to full confidentiality, including the fact that he/she is or has been a client, unless the client provides written permission for this information to be shared, and to whom it may be shared.  There are exceptions where personal information may be shared or I am required by law to share information in several very specific situations:

• Where there is reason to suspect abuse or neglect of a child, a dependent adult or a developmentally disabled person;

• Where there is potential or imminent risk of harm to a client or another person;

• Should a client’s records be subpoenaed by a court of law; or

• In the event of a complaint to the College of Social Workers

I collect the credit card information of my clients for those who choose that form of payment, and e-transfers will be accepted via my email. Other than my encrypted email, I do not store client information electronically, and my filing storage system has two levels of locking. I collect minimal information at the time of enrollment for the purposes of communicating with you and ensuring I have contact information for someone who could assist you in an emergency, if needed. As a social worker I am required to save records for 7 years after contact, or 7 years after the age of majority for children.

My encrypted email is there for any communication, except very brief administrative details by phone, where email can’t be used.

I do not engage with clients on Facebook, LinkedIn or other social media, although you may access or follow postings on my www.facebook.com/MarkSmithCounselling page. It can be “liked” and is a resource for articles related to family systems thinking and personal growth.

Telehealth video therapy: In this time of COVID-19, I offer clients the option of phone or video counselling. I have enrolled with a telehealth service provider using a secure and PIPA compliant platform.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND CONSENT AGREEMENT FOR TECHNOLOGY CLIENTS

I will take reasonable precautions to ensure the security and confidentiality of all client information I acquired from you, including electronic information, but I cannot ensure the security of information which is transmitted and/or stored electronically.

While video and online counselling is well-documented for efficacy by scientifically based research, it is not a good fit for every person or situation. I take care to assess, on first contact, the appropriateness for you. I also rely on client feedback as well as my ongoing assessment as our relationship progresses. Clients may stop video sessions at any time, if needed.

There are a number of benefits of doing telehealth video sessions online, such as more immediate access, convenient scheduling, reduced or eliminated transportation barriers, and the privacy of your own home. The potential risks are technology failures, security breaches or potential challenges with privacy that may arise in your home. As with video counselling, both the client and therapist jointly assume responsibility for minimizing risk. My video program uses medical grade encryption and having good antivirus software is also important for me and clients.  I ensure that we have a Plan B if our sessions should be interrupted, such as a phone number or alternate person or way of contact. With remote counselling, having a reliable contact who could have easy access to you, in the case of a medical emergency or danger, is very important. If children are nearby or you’re concerned about being overheard, I encourage you to consider the use of headphones.

I have engaged in a number of training opportunities for video and online counselling, and am continuously upgrading my skills and information, especially about security and privacy risks. I use a telehealth service provider called OWL, a telehealth platform designed specifically for therapists. They are fully compliant with the professional requirements for Health Care Providers in BC. All data is encrypted, your sessions are anonymous, and none of your information is stored. They adhere to HIPAA, PIPEDA, and GDPR data privacy requirements.  I will provide you with a link that gives you access to a virtual “waiting room” and you will be invited into your session. 

I do not record your sessions, unless I get your permission and I ask that clients also do not record our sessions or share them, without my permission.  Your security and privacy are my utmost concern, in this respect.

I am available on weekdays, as needed, anytime from 9am to 5:00pm unless otherwise agreed upon. I rely on my encrypted email for communication and endeavour to check and reply to emails on a daily basis.

Phone or text use is to be minimized and used only for administrative details, such as cancellations or bookings, when email cannot be used in a timely way.

My “Confidentiality and Informed Consent Agreement” and “Confidentiality and Consent Agreement for Technology Clients” will be sent for you to sign them and send them before any online session.