Social media accounts such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest, allow me to share information and events with other social media users. This document outlines my policy related to use of Social Media. Please read it to gain an understanding of how what to expect should you encounter my presence as a mental health professional on social sites and how you can expect me to respond to the various interactions that may occur between myself, clients, and other clinicians online.

This policy is not meant to discourage you from sharing that you are in therapy with me wherever and with whomever you like. Confidentiality means that I, as a mental health professional, can neither confirm or deny client information. This includes information regarding whether or not a particular client is in my care. You are encouraged to take your own privacy as seriously as I take my commitment of confidentiality to you.

Friend Requests: Therapists are not permitted to accept “friend” requests from current or former clients on their personal social networking sites. Accepting clients as “friends” on social sites could compromise confidentiality and privacy. It could also blur the boundaries of our therapeutic relationship.

Liking Post and Following Accounts: You are absolutely welcome to “like” and “follow” my social media feeds, read, and share articles I post. Keep in mind that social media sites are public spaces and as such anyone who can see my social media pages can see your post or comment. When you post, comment, or “like” a page, it may also be published on your page. My primary concern is your privacy. Use your own discretion when choosing whether to follow my professional social media pages or share my posts.

In order to maintain ethical boundaries, therapists are not permitted to follow you back on social media. Additionally, I believe casually viewing the online content of clients outside of the therapy space can create confusion regarding whether it’s being done for treatment purposes or to satisfy curiosity. Viewing your online activities without an arrangement towards a specific purpose could potentially, negatively impact the therapeutic relationship. I welcome you to share anything you wish from your online presence with me while in session

Search Engines: It is not usual practice to search for clients using Google or the like. Exceptions to this policy are made during times of crisis. If I have reason to suspect that you are in danger and you have not been in touch per usual (attending appointments, reachable by phone, or email), there might be a need to use a search engine to find you, someone close to you, or check on your recent status updates to ensure your welfare. This is not typical and if I resort to using this measure, the information will be documented and discussed with you during our next session.

Posting and Direct Messages: It is advised that you do not use posts, @ replies, direct messaging, etc. in order to contact me. This form of engagement may compromise your confidentiality and I may not receive your message. These exchanges could possibility become a part of your legal medical record, documented and archived in your chart.

Business Review Sites: You may find my professional information on sites such as Google, Healthgrades, Yahoo Local, Yelp, Bing, or other sites which list businesses. Many of these sites use search engine data to find business listings and automatically add them without request or consent . If you should find my professional information on any of these sites, please know that this listing is not a request for a testimonial, endorsement, or rating from you as a client. Mental health ethical codes prohibit clinicians from requesting testimonials for the purpose of marketing.

If you use these sites to communicate your feelings about your therapeutic experience, I may never see it. Also, due to confidentiality, I cannot respond to reviews on these sites whether positive or negative. My hope is that you will voice your thoughts concerning your treatment during the therapy process. I consider this an important part of treatment.

This policy may be updated as the internet changes and technology develops. Any updates will be posted on the social media page here at www.ShakeraHawkins.com.