Confidentiality & Privacy
Client confidentiality is protected in accordance with:
- Vermont state law
- Federal law, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
Information shared in counseling sessions is confidential and will not be released without written consent, except in the following legally required circumstances:
- Risk of serious harm to self or others
- Suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or vulnerable adult
- Court order or legal requirement
- Professional supervision or consultation (without identifying information whenever possible)
Records are stored securely using HIPAA-compliant systems. Reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards are used to protect client identity and personal health information.
HIPAA information: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/
HIPAA information: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/
Duty to Warn / Duty to Protect
In accordance with Vermont law (18 V.S.A. § 1882), mental health professionals have a duty to warn and protect if a client communicates a serious and identifiable threat of physical violence against a specific person or group.
If such a situation arises, reasonable steps may be taken to protect those at risk, which can include notifying law enforcement, potential victims, or taking other protective actions as required by law.
Statute reference: https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/18/075/01882
If such a situation arises, reasonable steps may be taken to protect those at risk, which can include notifying law enforcement, potential victims, or taking other protective actions as required by law.
Statute reference: https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/18/075/01882
Duty to Warn / Duty to Protect
Telehealth counseling is offered using Doxy.me, a secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform designed for healthcare services.
Clients choosing telehealth agree to:
Clients choosing telehealth agree to:
- Participate from a private, safe location
- Use a secure internet connection when possible
- Understand the potential limitations of remote therapy
Telehealth services comply with Vermont regulations and applicable federal laws. Telehealth may not be appropriate for all clinical situations, and this will be assessed collaboratively.
Doxy.me HIPAA compliance: https://doxy.me/en/hipaa/
Doxy.me HIPAA compliance: https://doxy.me/en/hipaa/
Supervision & Professional Consultation
As a pre-licensed clinician, Jacob Cribbs participates in ongoing clinical supervision with Kathleen Landry, LCMHC. Client cases may be discussed in supervision to ensure ethical, effective care. Identifying information is minimized whenever possible.
Client Rights
Clients have the right to:
- Ask questions about treatment, credentials, and supervision
- Request referrals or additional resources
- Decline or withdraw from services at any time
- File a complaint without retaliation
Concerns regarding professional conduct may be directed to:
Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR)
https://sos.vermont.gov/professional-regulation/
Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR)
https://sos.vermont.gov/professional-regulation/
Emergency Services
Counseling services are not emergency services. In case of immediate danger, clients should call:
- 911
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Call or Text 988)
- Website: https://988lifeline.org/
Emergency Services
By engaging in counseling services, clients acknowledge they have reviewed and understood this Professional Disclosure Statement and have had the opportunity to ask questions.