Is it OK to contact your therapist between sessions?

Unscheduled contact has the power to strengthen the therapeutic alliance even if they’re brief. These types of communication may even improve treatment outcomes. Regardless of the method of contact, communication between sessions, in both directions, is something to discuss during the initial informed consent process.

How often should therapy sessions be?

The general rule of thumb for the frequency of sessions is once per week, especially in the beginning. Therapy requires a concentrated effort on a consistent basis to realize the fullest benefits from the therapeutic relationship – in other words, it takes work to get good results.

Is it weird to text your therapist?

Some therapists communicate with clients by text, others do not. I encourage my clients to text me between sessions, particularly if they are reaching out with a scheduling issue, question, etc. If a therapist isn’t comfortable with text as a form of communication, they should let you know.

Are emails to a therapist confidential?

Strategies for Protecting Client Confidentiality Some clients may copy other people, such as parents or partners, on emails to therapists. Unencrypted email is never compliant with HIPAA standards. Most free email programs, including Gmail, are not encrypted, or not guaranteed to send encrypted messages every time.

Is it legal for a therapist to email a client?

However, a question we almost never recieve is about the legality of therapy client emails. Ironically, email is a far more prevalent and misunderstood form of client-therapist communication than any other mode. As a therapist in the modern world, understanding the safety and security of email is critical.

Is it appropriate to call or text my Therapist?

Calling and texting therapist is appropriate unless and until you call them for any suggestion or any therapy related topics. In other words, you shouldn’t be having any other type of casual conversations with your therapist via texting or calling.

Should mental health professionals text for help?

For mental health professionals, beyond the concerns about misinterpretation and overdependence, there is the worry that they could miss an all-important text for help if they’re out of reach or if their phone is dead. Even those therapists who text with their patients every day often won’t wake up to the ping of an incoming message.

Do I have to give my therapist my number?

This should have been covered in contracting. Usually you will have the number to cancel or rearrange sessions, or in case of an emergency. It is not unusual to have a therapists number, but it is a work number, and therefore it probably should be treated as such.