SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY:
CLIENTS (CURRENT, FORMER AND POTENTIAL) & MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC
Please don’t take it personally, but I probably won’t “follow” you back.
In fact, I won’t follow back the vast majority of people who aren’t health & wellness professionals and/or colleagues.
Interacting with me (and all practicing therapists) on social media platforms carries unique risks and challenges. My interactions with you will not be similar to therapy and cannot replace therapy. For those who already work with me, my demeanor may not feel familiar or welcoming.
My behaviors are not personal reactions to you. They are ways of protecting therapeutic relationships by maintaining confidentiality and appropriate boundaries.
Confidentiality:
Confidentiality and privacy are at the heart of mental health care and I take them very seriously.
As a result:
For current and former clients, I will not “follow,” “friend,” and/or accept a request to connect on any social media platform (e.g., Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.). For sites that allow anyone to follow me (e.g., Clubhouse), I will not follow you back
Please be aware that following me may make other users aware of our current, former or future professional relationship. This is out of my control. By following me, you are assuming this risk. This may not be an issue for you, but please be mindful of the potential risks to your privacy
Dual Relationships:
It is my duty and legal/ethical responsibility to minimize dual relationships. For current and former clients, this means that I cannot (now or ever) be a close friend, socialize or engage in a business relationship with you. Again, this is to protect our current or former therapeutic relationship and minimize boundaries being blurred. For potential clients, avoiding dual relationships protects our future work together.
If you have any questions about my policy, please contact me privately.
Warmly,
Dr. Lakeasha Sullivan