Social Media Policy
Last Updated: August 19, 2022
This document outlines the best practices related to the use of Electronic Media and Communication. Given the rapid changes in technology, contents of this document may become obsolete and other/newer uses of technology may be added. There are distinct differences between Grayson’s personal and professional social media accounts. Please note the ways that Grayson can/cannot interact with you over electronic mediums to protect the therapeutic relationship.
AMENDMENTS AND CHANGES
If Grayson amends or edits this Agreement, updates will be posted to this page. By engaging with Grayson digitally, you automatically become bound by the latest version of the Agreement unless you withdraw in writing from the program. To withdraw, please email Grayson at: Grayson@GraysonWallen.com. You have an affirmative duty to notify Grayson of any changes to your email address, and to review any changes to the Agreement.
FRIENDING:
Grayson neither accepts contact requests from current or former patients on any social networking site(s) (ex. Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.) as this can compromise your confidentiality and may also blur the boundaries of the counseling relationship. However, Grayson keeps a Yelp Business page and Google Business page for his professional practice to allow people to view practice details, and information related to obtaining counseling services. You are welcome to review the Yelp/Google business page. Please be informed that if you “review” the business, others could see your review of a Mental Health Professional and can reveal that you received counseling services based off of your review. Grayson also has a professional Instagram account, which you can follow here @GraysonWallenCounseling
INTERACTING:
Please do not use messaging on Social Networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn to contact Grayson. These sites are not secure thus can compromise your confidentiality/privacy in receiving counseling services. Also, when communicating via any electronic medium (ex. Text Message, Email, Calendly, Phone Call, ect.) increases your risk to a breach of confidentiality as anything besides face-to-face communication is at risk to privacy and/or security breaches.
PHONE/EMAIL:
If you need to contact Grayson, the best way to do so is by phone. Email can be used for quick, administrative issues such as changing appointment times or that you may be a few minutes late to an appointment. Please do not use email to inform Grayson of content, information or questions related to your mental health treatment unless we agree to this and arrange this as an acceptable part of your therapy. Please note: All emails are retained in the log of your and our internet service providers. While it is unlikely that someone will be looking at those logs, the logs are available to read by the system administrator(s) of the internet service provider. You should also know that any emails that are received from you and any responses that are sent back to you, become part of your medical record.
BUSINESS REVIEW SITES:
You may find Grayson’s practice on sites such as Yelp, Healthgrades, Yahoo Local, Bing, Google Maps or other places which list businesses. Some of these sites automatically add business listings, so if you find a listing on any of these sites, please know that the listing is not a request for a testimonial, rating, or endorsement from you as a Client. The American Counseling Association’s Ethics Code (2014) states: “Counselors who use testimonials do not solicit them from current clients, former clients, or any other persons who may be vulnerable to undue influence. Counselors discuss with clients the implications of and obtain permission for the use of any testimonial” (C.3.b. Testimonials). While you have the right to express yourself on any site you wish, keep in mind that you may be personally revealing information on a public forum. Grayson and CER urges you to create a pseudonym (fake name) that is not linked to your regular email address or friend networks regarding your counseling experience. Please note: Feedback is best delivered face-to-face in order to be used in your session(s).
LOCATION-BASED SERVICES:
There is confidentiality risk if you are intentionally “checking in” or “reviewing” Grayson on social media sites (Yelp, Google Local Guides, etc.).