IS IT OK TO CALL MY THERAPIST? TEXT MY THERAPIST? EMAIL MY THERAPIST? FACETIME? WHAT IS NORMAL?

 Your therapist will advise you early in the process about the preferred methods of communication. A few guidelines can be helpful:

1. Most email is not able to maintain your privacy fully. If you need to reach your therapist for a schedule change, email may be appropriate. However, if you are expressing a feeling or symptom, email is not going to offer you the best privacy.

2. In the age of texting, many therapists use this method for communication. Just as with email, you should not send private information this way. Consider texting as another form of communication for logistics only.

3. Verbal communication can feel like something from the past. However, if you pick up the phone and call your therapist, you can ensure that your personal information will not be hacked or spread accross the internet. Phone calls are effective, but be mindful to avoid leaving personal information on a voicemail.

4. It is best to avoid using Facetime, Snap-Chat, Facebook Messenger, and similar technology to reach your therapist. This is to protect privacy, and ensure a separation between therapy and social media.

Overall, each therapist will have a preferred method of communication. Within my practice, I pay for a HIPAA compliant chat service within the client portal. This chat allows clients to reach me for scheduling or any other concern within a private space. Please ask your therapist for a similar service, or reach out by phone as needed. Your privacy is not just important, but required.