Social Media Policy

This policy outlines the rules related to use of Social Media. Please thoroughly read this information to understand how I conduct myself on the Internet as a mental health professional and how you can expect me to respond to interactions that may occur between us on the Internet. Please discuss any questions or concerns you may have with the practitioner.

Separate Accounts

Leondra Polk, LMSW holds separate and isolated accounts to be used for the sole purpose of professional matters regarding StraightUp Counseling. These accounts are separate from any personal accounts held by Leondra Polk as an individual.

Email

Please use email to contact me for administrative reasons ONLY (modifying appointments, billing information, etc.). Please do not email content related to the mental health care or sessions we conduct, unless otherwise discussed and approved by practitioner. Email communication is not always completely secure or confidential. Please note that any emails received from you and responses sent become a part of your legal record.

Text Messages

Please do not send text messages, unless otherwise agreed upon with practitioner. I will not regularly respond to texting. Please note that any text messages received becomes a part of your legal record.

“Friending”

I DO NOT accept friend or contact requests from current or former clients on any social networking site (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.). Adding clients as friends on these sites can compromise your confidentiality and our therapeutic relationship. There are NO exceptions.

Following

I WILL NOT follow any client on Instagram, blogs, or other apps/websites. If there is content you wish to share from your online life, please bring it into our sessions where we can explore it together.

Search Engines

It is not a regular part of my practice to search for clients on Google, Facebook, or other searchable sites. The exception could be during a crisis, if I have reason to suspect you are a danger to yourself or others. When I have exhausted all other reasonable means to contact you and/or your emergency contact, then I am permitted to use a search engine for information to ensure your safety and well-being. If this ever occurs, I will fully document the search and discuss it with you during your next session.

Location-Based Services (not currently available)

Please be aware if you use location-based services on your mobile phone you may compromise your privacy while attending sessions at my office (once in-person services are available). The office can be found as a Google location. Enabled GPS tracking makes it possible for others to surmise you are a client due to regular check-ins at my office location.