If you reside in California, you may receive online substance abuse counseling only from a counselor that is licensed in the state of California to practice in the state of California or interns under supervision can provide counseling services .

See the Notice to California Consumers Regarding Psychotherapy on the Internet

 

 

Every client should know their rights concerning online counseling over the Internet.

I have the right to be treated fairly regardless of my ethnicity, religion, natural origin, sex, handicap, age, political beliefs, sexual preference or ability to pay.

a. When there is a bona-fide medical emergency.
b. When scientific research, management audits, financial audits, and when program evaluations are being conducted, information may be released to qualified personnel.
c. When authorized by court order, information may be released.
d. When there is suspicion of child abuse or neglect, the counselor is compelled by law to notify Child Protective Services.
e. A summary of the Federal Confidentiality Regulations is available upon request.

I have the right to speak to a counselor or agency representative about other public or private services or resources that may be available to me. I have the right to have access to records or treatment files that regard my case. I have the right to discuss any action regarding my case with a Choose 2 Change, Inc. representative.

Notice to California Consumers Regarding Psychotherapy on the Internet
Individuals who provide psychotherapy or counseling, either in person, by telephone, or over the Internet, are required by law to be licensed. Licensing requirements vary by state. Individuals who provide psychotherapy or counseling to persons in California are required to be licensed in California. Interns under supervision can also provide counseling services in the state of California. Such licensure permits the consumer to pursue recourse against the licensee should the consumer believe that the licensee engaged in unprofessional conduct.
Be a cautious consumer when seeking therapy over the Internet, or by any other means, by doing the following:

• Verify that the practitioner (counselor) has a current and valid license in the State of California. Also, interns under supervision can provide counseling services in the state of California.
  
  Choose 2 Change does an exhaustive verification of counselor licensing prior to employment with Choose 2 Change. Our counselor's names, license numbers and states of licensure can be found at on our Counselors page.
  
  
• Be sure you understand the fee that you will be charged for the services to be rendered and that you fully understand how and to whom the fee is to be paid.
  
  Choose 2 Change program descriptions and fees are detailed on this website. Please go to Programs for out list of available programs and fees.
  
  
• Be sure you are satisfied with the methods used to ensure your communications with and by the counselor will be confidential.
  
  Choose 2 Change takes your privacy and the confidentiality of all communication between you and your counselor very seriously. Read our Privacy Policy.
  
  
• Be sure you are aware of the risks and benefits of doing therapy, over the Internet or by any other means, so you can make an informed choice about the therapy or counseling to be provided.
  
  Visit our Home page to get the full details on the pros and cons of online counseling.
  
  
• According to Business and Professions Code Section 2290.5, prior to the delivery of health care via telemedicine, the health care practitioner who has ultimate authority over the care or primary diagnosis of the patient shall obtain verbal and written informed consent from the patient or the patient's legal representative.
  
  A Choose 2 Change Registrar will contact you via telephone to confirm your personal information, explain our programs, and answer any questions you may have about online counseling.

For more information, visit the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) website at: www.bbs.ca.gov/psyonlin.html