WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Thank you for choosing the Debra Fileta Counselors Network (DFCN) to partner with you on your journey of healing: heart, soul, mind, and strength. Please read this document in its entirety before participating in services.

WEB-BASED & LIMITATIONS OF PRIVACY

Unlike traditional therapy, web-based sessions offer you the convenience of consulting with a trained consultant or faith-forward counselor from the comfort of your own home. Please consider the confidentiality limitations that can arise from the nature of exchanging information online.

Debra Fileta and those associated with the Debra Fileta Counselors Network cannot be held liable for privacy issues that arise due to the confidentiality limitations of online interactions. By agreeing to an online session (or in some cases, educational groups, or online seminars) you acknowledge that you understand and accept these limitations.

All online sessions will be conducted via Zoom. If technological difficulties occur, sessions may proceed via phone interaction. Intake paperwork and payment must be completed prior to your session.

If you are experiencing an emergency, immediately dial 911 or proceed to your local Emergency Room. By checking the “What You Need to Know” box on your consultation form, you acknowledge and agree to these limitations.

ROLE & SCOPE OF SERVICES

Although some DFCN consultants may hold professional counseling licenses or clinical training, services provided through the Debra Fileta Counselors Network are offered exclusively in a coaching, consulting, mentoring, and educational capacity, not in a psychotherapy or healthcare capacity.

DFCN services are faith-based, relationally focused, and clinically informed, but are not intended to diagnose, treat, or manage mental illness, psychopathology, or behavioral health disorders.

Services provided through DFCN are not healthcare, medical treatment, psychotherapy, crisis care, or behavioral health treatment services.

CONFIDENTIALITY & RELEASE OF INFORMATION

With the exception of information involving danger to yourself or others, information obtained during interactions with Debra Fileta and the Debra Fileta Counselors Network is treated with confidentiality and discretion.

Concepts, principles, and scenarios gained from sessions may be used in future educational material by Debra Fileta, or associated ministries; however, all identifying information including names, locations, and identifying facts will be changed to maintain confidentiality.

Cases may also be discussed internally as part of consultant supervision and training meetings. Billing, scheduling, administrative information, and internal notes may be viewed by the DFCN administrative team and any collaborating members of DFCN.

CLIENT RECORDS & NOTES

Our coaching/consulting services are faith-based, clinically informed, and educational in nature, but they are not psychotherapy, counseling, or medical treatment services. Our coaches and consultants do not diagnose, treat, or manage mental health disorders or psychopathology within the scope of these services.

Because these services are not clinical treatment, we do not maintain formal medical or psychotherapy records as defined by healthcare or HIPAA standards. We may keep limited internal notes regarding client goals, progress, scheduling, and general service-related information for continuity and quality purposes; however, these notes are considered internal business records and are not maintained as official clinical records or treatment charts.

As such, formal medical-style records, treatment documentation, or psychotherapy notes are not available for release or request.

CONFIDENTIALITY & HIPAA CLARIFICATION

While DFCN values client privacy and discretion, clients acknowledge that coaching and consulting services provided through DFCN are not medical or mental healthcare services and therefore may not be protected under HIPAA or state psychotherapy confidentiality laws in the same manner as clinical counseling relationships.

SESSIONS

Relational or personal sessions are designed to facilitate personal and relational development and emotional health rather than treat psychopathology.

If at any time a consultant determines that these sessions are not the appropriate fit due to the need for therapeutic or clinical intervention, clients may be referred to a licensed therapist or healthcare provider within their state.

These sessions are not intended to diagnose or treat mental illness or replace professional counseling services provided by a licensed clinician.

Sessions are available for individuals and couples. Each purchased session lasts approximately 50 minutes.

Sessions are conducted via Zoom. In the event of technological difficulties, sessions may continue by phone.

Appointments are scheduled based on the time zone selected during booking. Clients are responsible for confirming appointment times and applicable time zones. 

FEES AND PAYMENT

All payments are due in full before each scheduled session. Payment reserves and confirms your allotted session time with your designated consultant.

If recurring appointments or multiple appointments are scheduled, full payment for all appointments must be processed at checkout. Failure to complete payment in due time will result in forfeiting your appointment time. 

INSURANCE

DFCN services are pay-for-service experiences. Insurance cannot be billed for coaching or consulting services.

We do not complete any insurance reimbursement paperwork. We also do not accept FSA/HSA cards/funds for our sessions.

RESCHEDULING APPOINTMENTS

Respect your session time. Kindly give 48 hours notice of any adjustments to appointment times by emailing support@debrafileta.com 

In the email subject line write “RESCHEDULE” and include your full name, counselor’s name, session time, time zone, and date. Refunds will not be offered, and less than 48-hour notice will forfeit your session time or ability to schedule an alternate date and time. In the very rare case, your counselor needs to reschedule an appointment you will receive an email from support@debrafileta.com notifying you of a session change. 

**Please note, any cancellations or reschedules made with less than 48 hour notice will be billed as a “late-cancellation” and the full fee of the appointment time will be collected. 

LIMITS OF SERVICES

Services are limited to clients age 18 or older who are not in need of 24-hour care.

DFCN services are not appropriate for individuals experiencing active mental health crises, suicidal ideation, psychosis, substance withdrawal, domestic violence emergencies, or other conditions requiring clinical or emergency intervention.

Please call 911 or your local crisis hotline in the event of an emergency.

Consultations are not intended to replace legal counsel, medical advice, psychotherapy, psychiatric care, or emergency intervention. Consultants are not operating in the role of licensed mental health professionals during these sessions and will not diagnose or treat psychopathology.

WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOUR FIRST SESSION

CONFIRMATION EMAILS:

Check your email inbox (including spam folder) for two separate emails. One email will be from the Debra Fileta Counselors Network with your zoom meeting link. 

The email subject line will be “__________ Appointment Confirmation.” 

Please save this email with these details for your session and check that the date and time with your selected counselor are correct. If you have NOT received the email with your session zoom link within 3 hours of purchase please send an email to support@debrafileta.com. 

If you do not notify the Debra Fileta Counselors Network support of not receiving your zoom meeting link within 24 hours of your appointment you forfeit your session time. If you do not notify the Debra Fileta Counselors Network (support@debrafileta.com) within 48 hours of your appointment that any of your appointment details are incorrect you will forfeit your session time. 

A second email will be sent out from Debra Fileta as a receipt with the subject line “Debra Fileta (Do Not Reply)” for your successful payment and a copy of the information you submitted in the form. This email does not have your zoom link. You must look out for the other email. Your appointment time should be in the time zone you booked your session in. Please double check the time zone. 

The Debra Fileta Counselors Network strongly advises each client to add their booked session appointment to their personal calendar. 

ZOOM

Be sure you have a ZOOM account that is active and working, as all appointments will take place via ZOOM. For more information regarding ZOOM please CLICK HERE. Please also check that your microphone, camera, and wifi have a strong stable connection.

Communications

All communication including cancellations, rescheduling requests made within 48-hour notice of your appointment, concerns, and customer service issues should be sent to support@debrafileta.com. 

The Debra Fileta Counselors Network counselors are unable to respond to any direct forms of communication (personal emails, Instagram DM’S, etc.) outside of your confirmed session time on zoom. 

If you have a specific question or concern for your counselor, please send your full name and counselor’s name to support@debrafileta.com. 

Your message will be forwarded to your counselor on a needed basis determined by the Debra Fileta Counselors Network administration team. Please DO NOT hit the reply button on any of your confirmation or calendar emails. Your email will not be received. 

All emails should be sent or forwarded to support@debrafileta.com 

ACKNOWLEDGMENT/CONSENT TO RECEIVE SERVICES

By checking off the “What You Need to Know” confirmation box on your initial online form, you agree that the Debra Fileta Counselors Network has disclosed sufficient information to enable you to decide to undergo or forgo the services offered. 

You understand that your consent to the nature of our sessions is given voluntarily, without coercion, and may be withdrawn at any time. 

You represent that you are competent and able to understand the nature of our proposed sessions and agree to be personally responsible for the related fees. 

You have read and understand the above disclosure about the services provided. 

You agree to release, indemnify, hold harmless, and defend the Debra Fileta Counselors Network and all associated parties from and against any and all claims or liability, of whatsoever kind or nature, which you or your representatives may have, for any loss, damage or injury, including without limitation, physical, emotional, mental, relational, financial, or spiritual, arising out of or in connection with your sessions. 

I have read, understand, and agree with the above terms by checking off the box “What You Need to Know” box on the scheduling form.