Privacy and Confidentiality
Privacy during sessions is important to me. I have a separate home office that is used for online sessions. Outside the door to my office is a privacy white noise machine. I use headphones to maximize privacy for my clients. No one can see my computer screen through the windows into my office, and no one in the home could hear me talking from outside the office. It is completely private, and I go to great lengths to ensure that it stays that way.
Your privacy should also be considered from your end. As these are online sessions, you may want to choose your set up location carefully, thinking about your privacy and things you may say during therapy that you may not want those who live with you to hear. Also, consider your internet connectivity and attempt to create a space where you have little to no interruptions during sessions. This privacy on your end will go a long way to making these sessions more productive.
HIPAA
Confidentiality is not only your right, but it is the law. To ensure confidentiality, I use only HIPAA-compliant software for the video conference and case note storage, and any handwritten notes that I take do not have the client's name on them and are locked in a “double-locked” container until they are destroyed. No one other than myself has access to my handwritten notes, which are often destroyed by the end of the week. Case notes, treatment plans, and assessments must be stored for up to 5 years and will be done so online only, using state-of-the-art technology to ensure confidentiality. These documents may be shared with the client directly and could be subpoenaed by a court system. While this is a rare event, should it happen, the client will be notified immediately. Any other information given to any other person or provider, such as a diagnosis given to a treating psychiatrist, must be done with the client's written consent. Any disclosures of information will be documented clearly in the client chart.
For more information, see the HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices link below.
If you have any questions, please contact Laura directly at 540-524-2224.
Service fees
Most of the services have a set price in hopes of making them more accessible, and there is a range for self-pay. If you are self-pay, you can select the fee that feels right for you within the sliding scale on this sheet. Through Headway, I can accept United Healthcare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Oxford, and Oscar Health insurance, and the rate of pay for that service will depend on your insurance contract with Headway.
Please note that I am only accepting insurance through Headway for a one-time gender-affirming care consultation at this time. I can help you fill out the forms necessary to bill your insurance company individually for individual therapy.
https://headway.co/providers/laura-szyikowski