Professional Disclaimer

Dr. Katiuscia Mercogliano is a licensed mental health professional authorized to provide psychotherapy services. This disclaimer outlines important information about the nature and limitations of online therapy services. **Licensing Information:** • Licensed Therapist in [Jurisdiction] • Professional Registration Number: [Number] • Member of [Professional Association] • Continuing Education Requirements: Current and Up-to-Date

**Online therapy involves:** • Psychotherapy sessions conducted via secure video conferencing • Real-time interaction between therapist and client • Use of secure, HIPAA-compliant technology platforms • Similar therapeutic techniques adapted for digital delivery **Key Differences from In-Person Therapy:** • Limited non-verbal communication cues • Potential for technical interruptions • Different emergency response protocols • Reliance on client's private, secure environment

**Research indicates that online therapy can be effective for many mental health conditions, including:** • Depression and anxiety disorders • Trauma and PTSD (with appropriate adaptations) • Relationship and family issues • Stress management and coping skills • Life transitions and adjustment disorders **Online therapy may NOT be suitable for:** • Severe mental health crises requiring immediate intervention • Active suicidal or homicidal ideation • Severe substance use disorders requiring medical supervision • Certain eating disorders requiring medical monitoring • Individuals unable to maintain privacy during sessions • Those with severe cognitive impairments

**Technical Risks:** • Internet connectivity issues may interrupt sessions • Platform failures could compromise session continuity • Security breaches, though rare, are theoretically possible • Recording capabilities may pose privacy risks if misused **Therapeutic Risks:** • Misunderstandings due to limited visual/audio quality • Difficulty assessing non-verbal cues • Challenges in crisis intervention • Potential for distractions in client's environment • Limited ability to provide immediate physical support **Legal and Ethical Considerations:** • Jurisdiction-specific regulations may apply • Emergency protocols differ from in-person care • Mandatory reporting requirements still apply • Record-keeping and confidentiality standards maintained

**If you experience a mental health emergency:** **Immediate Risk to Self or Others:** 1. Call emergency services immediately (112 in EU, 911 in US) 2. Go to your nearest emergency room 3. Contact a local crisis hotline 4. Reach out to a trusted friend or family member **After-Hours Support:** • This service does not provide 24/7 crisis intervention • Emergency contacts will be established during intake • Local resources and crisis numbers will be provided • Crisis safety plan will be developed collaboratively **Therapist Availability:** • Sessions by appointment only • Email responses within 24-48 hours during business days • Emergency situations require immediate professional intervention

**Client Technology Responsibilities:** • Maintaining secure, private internet connection • Using updated devices with proper audio/video capabilities • Ensuring privacy during sessions • Testing technology prior to appointments • Having backup communication methods available **Platform Security:** We use HIPAA-compliant, end-to-end encrypted platforms. However, no technology is 100% secure, and you acknowledge this inherent risk. **Data Storage and Transmission:** • All data is encrypted in transit and at rest • Session recordings (if any) require explicit consent • Technical logs may be maintained for security purposes • Data retention follows professional and legal requirements

**Services Provided:** • Individual psychotherapy for adults (18+) • Consultation and assessment • Treatment planning and goal setting • Therapeutic interventions and techniques • Progress monitoring and evaluation **Services NOT Provided:** • Psychiatric medication management • Court-ordered evaluations or legal testimony • Emergency or crisis intervention • Services for individuals under 18 • Group therapy sessions • Couples or family therapy (unless specifically arranged) • Psychological testing or assessment batteries

**Therapeutic Relationship:** • Professional boundaries will be maintained at all times • Dual relationships are avoided to maintain objectivity • Social media connections are not appropriate • Gift-giving is not encouraged • Physical contact is not possible in online therapy **Communication Boundaries:** • Sessions are conducted during scheduled appointment times • Email communication is for scheduling and brief check-ins • Complex therapeutic content should be addressed in sessions • Response times to emails: 24-48 hours during business days

By using these services, you acknowledge that you have been informed about: • The nature and limitations of online therapy • Potential risks and benefits • Alternative treatment options • Emergency procedures and contacts • Privacy and confidentiality protections • Your rights as a client • The therapist's qualifications and scope of practice **Your Right to Withdraw:** You may discontinue services at any time. If therapy is terminated, appropriate referrals will be provided when clinically indicated.

**Professional Liability:** Dr. Katiuscia Mercogliano maintains professional liability insurance and adheres to established standards of care for online therapy. **Technology Limitations:** No guarantee is made regarding the reliability of internet connections, platform availability, or the absence of technical difficulties. **Outcome Disclaimer:** While therapy can be highly beneficial, no specific outcomes or timeframes can be guaranteed. Success depends on many factors including client engagement, specific circumstances, and therapeutic fit. **Third-Party Services:** We are not responsible for the actions or policies of third-party service providers (internet services, device manufacturers, etc.).