Client Rights and Informed Consent 


Matt Stech, MS, LPC

Virginia License # 0701012973


Client Rights


  • Informed Consent and Choice: Clients must be fully informed about treatment options, risks, benefits, and alternatives before consenting. This includes the right to refuse treatment or discontinue services.

  • Confidentiality and Privacy: Personal information is protected, though it may be disclosed in specific legal, risk-of-harm, or child protection situations (see more under “Confidentiality”).

  • Dignity and Respect: Right to receive care that is respectful of cultural, personal, and spiritual identity, and to be treated without discrimination.

  • Right to Information: Access to personal  mental health records and ability to add or correct information.

  • Quality Care: Services should be provided by qualified professionals, following ethical, legal, and evidence-informed standards.

  • File Complaints: The right to expect ethical and legal treatment and the ability to file a complaint if you believe this isn’t the case (via Virginia Board of Counseling)


Therapy is a helpful experience for most people, however, it’s important to be aware of some important issues that can impact your right to confidentiality as well as what to expect from EMDR therapy provided via telehealth. Before signing, please make sure you understand the issues listed here. It is my job to help you feel comfortable and heard in this process, so asking questions is your right and will help our therapeutic relationship be more productive and efficient from the start. 


Confidentiality

You have the right to confidentiality. No personal information will be released without your written consent, unless one of the following circumstances arises: 

  •  Abuse or harmful neglect of children, the elderly or disabled or incompetent individual is known or reasonably suspected; 

  •  Information related to counseling is necessary to defend against a malpractice action brought by a client; 

  •  An immediate threat of physical violence against a readily identifiable victim is disclosed to the counselor; 

  •  An immediate threat of serious self-inflicted harm or suicide is disclosed to the counselor; 

  •  The client alleges mental or emotional damages in civil litigation, or his/her mental or emotional state becomes an issue in any court proceeding concerning child custody or visitation; 

  •  The patient or client is examined pursuant to a court order; or

  •  In the context of investigations and hearings brought by the client and conducted by the Board, where violations of professional conduct are alleged. 


EMDR


Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a treatment method recognized as useful in the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and research indicates it can be successfully applied to a number of mental health disorders. Research has validated the effectiveness of EMDR in reducing symptoms associated with trauma as well as improving symptoms with some mood disorders.


EMDR via telehealth may not be appropriate for people who are:

  • Recently suicidal or have attempted suicide in the past year

  • Experiencing episodes due to schizophrenia or bipolar disorder

  • Unable to manage alcohol or drug use 

  • Prescribed benzodiazepine or pain management medications

  • At risk of heart attack, seizure, or stroke

  • Expecting to give testimony at trial

  • Pregnant

  • Living in unstable/unsafe/crisis circumstances and/or cannot expect privacy


In the process of EMDR treatment, the following may arise:

  • Distressing, unresolved memories

  • Distressing dreams, flashbacks, and/or feelings

  • Disturbing emotional and/or physical reactions


Most people report EMDR is beneficial because: 

  • The memory or event is remembered, but the painful emotions and physical sensations, disturbing images and thoughts (PTSD symptoms) are reduced and/or no longer present;

  • The difficult or traumatic memories are processed in a way that allows the impact of them to be reduced by a significant amount (or eliminated  in some cases); 

  • They have a better sense that the difficult events are “behind” them and no longer blocking wellness and growth;

  • They experience an improvement in their  sense of self in the context of their lives (including more positive/less negative self talk) and/or an improvement in  confidence and sense of emotional and/or physical safety.




While EMDR is intended to reduce symptoms of trauma, they may be temporarily aggravated by the process. Most clients experience the benefits of EMDR; however, occasionally clients have had reactions that were not expected by the client or the clinician. Part of the process of EMDR is informing you of what I expect your reaction will be based on your background information. 



Telehealth


Telehealth offers numerous benefits to make services more convenient and accessible. It is important to note that telehealth also has risks and limitations to service.

  • I use HIPPA compliant email, video conferencing, and clinical software that meet the federal standards of practice in maintaining privacy/confidentiality. 

  • Despite a high level of security, privacy breaches are possible by the companies that provide my technical tools or by my own error. 

  • There may be unavoidable technical problems that may delay or end a session.  

  • Crisis situations are difficult to manage at a distance. In some cases, telehealth will not be sufficient to support a client with crisis needs and more appropriate services may be needed. 



Education

Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling, University of Wyoming 

Bachelor of Science in Operations Management, University of Delaware 


Areas of Specialization: EMDR for trauma and mood disorders, life transitions, young adults, consultation re mental health and substance use disorders.   


I strive to maintain the highest quality of service. Counseling relationships are professional in nature; therefore, sexual relationships  with clients are never appropriate. I will adhere to the Code of Ethics of the American Counseling Association and Virginia Board of Counseling regulations. You have the right to ask questions about my credentials and approach to therapy. In addition, you may accept or reject any suggested counseling intervention. You have the right to end counseling at any time. 


In engaging in counseling and EMDR therapy via telehealth, it is important to consider the benefits and risks and acknowledge that there may be unexpected memories, emotions and physical reactions. Thoughtfully weighing the benefits and potential risks of EMDR and telehealth counseling are important to the process.