About Online Counseling
Services
HIM Online Counseling
Services provide an alternative to traditional
face-to-face counseling at a time when traditional methods are inaccessible,
inconvenient, or not preferred. Online counseling may be a useful
alternative for people unable to make it to a counselors office, who live in
a remote area, have a disability, have limited time constraints, or would
like to get an idea of how counseling works before seeing a counselor face
to face.
Online
counseling is an alternative method of communicating with a counselor by
e-mail through your computer. E-mail exchanges can provide an ongoing
dialogue between you and your counselor providing support, and over time,
offer you an opportunity to share your concerns, ask questions, and possibly
gain further insights and understanding into the issues that you are
experiencing. Also, the act of writing may help you to organize thoughts and
clarify feelings.
Advantages and
Limitations
Online
counseling has both advantages and limitations. Often times distance may
prevent people from being able to access a counselor in person. Also, busy
and hectic lifestyles may make it difficult to schedule and keep
appointments. Or perhaps you would simply like to see how counseling works
before seeing a counselor in person.
One limitation of online counseling is the absence of a face-to-face
relationship where body language and facial expressions can be seen and tone
of voice heard. Online counseling is a rather new method of providing
counseling and if you are uncertain, please feel free to seek face-to-face
counseling.
HIM Online Counseling is not psychotherapy but rather pastoral and Christian
counseling. It is important to note that online counseling cannot and is not
intended to replace face-to-face counseling. Online counseling is not a
substitute for traditional face-to-face counseling but rather provides an
alternative approach.
Also, there are issues not suitable for online counseling and issues that
cannot be resolved without an ongoing therapeutic relationship. Online
counseling does not offer quick fixes and is not suitable for everyone;
however, if you are comfortable with communicating via the internet and
e-mail, then online counseling may be a good place to begin exploring your
issues.
Terms and Conditions of this Service
Confidentiality
All
personal information and correspondence received from you will be kept
confidential and will not be disclosed or shared unless legally required.
Also, please know that records can be subpoenaed by a court of law. It is
also recommended that you protect all your online counseling correspondence
on your computer. It is your responsibility to ensure that access to your
computer is password protected and any personal information is kept secure.
Any online counseling correspondence printed out by you should be kept
secure and not shared. Also, employers may monitor internet and e-mail
activity in your place of employment.
Disclaimer - Please
Read Carefully
HIM Online
Counseling and the use of this counseling service is at the clients own
risk. This means that you, the user, agree that it is at your own risk. HIM
Online Counseling Service is not responsible for technical problems on the
internet, messages accidentally lost or misdirected, internet service
providers downtime, or communications intercepted by a third party or
hackers. HIM Online Counseling Service is not responsible for any
information that may not be accurate or given to HIM Online Counseling
Service by the user thereby preventing HIM Online Counseling Service from
giving the user utmost effectiveness. While reasonable care is taken; this
counseling service does not give a guarantee that the services provided meet
your requirements, be error free, or be successful in outcome. This online
counseling service is not intended to offer crisis intervention or in-depth
psychotherapy. HIM Online Counseling Services or its counselor(s) are not
responsible in anyway whatsoever for any decision, action, or inaction made
by you as a consequence of consultation(s). This means that your decisions,
actions, and/or inactions are solely your responsibility. HIM Online
Counseling Service and its counselor(s) operate within the United States of
America and therefore no legal action or personal
indemnity whatsoever can be forthcoming from individuals outside of the
United
States.
1.
You must be 18 years of age or older.
2.
You agree that in the event of a crisis or an emergency you will
not rely solely on HIM Online Counseling Service and agree to seek help
within your local area.
3.
You understand that during the process of counseling,
psychological pain and distress can and probably will arise. Especially as
difficult issues are addressed and worked through.
4.
You understand that if receiving couple enrichment both parties
must read and agree to the Terms and Conditions of this website.
5.
You do not have a mood or personality disorder. You do not have
depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, schizophrenia, sociopathic
illness, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, or
any disorder that requires specialized face-to-face intervention or the
continuation of existing professional services or treatment.
6.
You understand that this service does not offer clinical
assessment, treatment, or crisis intervention.
7.
You understand that an alternative method of contacting clients
is required in case of emergency.
8.
You are not currently receiving counseling nor under the care of
a psychiatrist or the like.
9.
You understand the security issues and technical problems that
may occur on the internet. This may include but is not limited to messages
accidentally lost or misdirected, internet service providers downtime, or
communications intercepted by a third party or hackers. Further, HIM Online
Counseling Services is not responsible in anyway whatsoever for those
incidents mentioned above or the like.
10.
You
understand that e-mail correspondence is limited to the character size
provided and your correspondence that requires more space than allocated may
be continued in the beginning of the next paid e-mail correspondence.
11.
All inquiries
are for personal counseling only and are not for conducting research of any
kind whatsoever.
12.
You
acknowledged and accept that there are mandatory reporting laws. (See
below for details)
Mandatory Reporting Laws
Please be
advised there are mandatory reporting laws that may apply. Do not expect
immunity or acceptance as I am obligated to report such matters as listed
below to the appropriate law enforcement authorities:
-
Child abuse/neglect,
child sexual abuse
-
Suicide
-
Criminal intent
-
Criminal acts
-
Domestic violence
-
Elder abuse
If you are
affected by any of the above; if you are experiencing thoughts of harming
yourself or others; if you have done any of these in the past and not
received help; then please seek professional help elsewhere immediately.
Please do not use this service as it is not suitable for you at this time.
Emergency Contact Pages
For an emergency within USA Phone 911.
Our Approach to Writing E-mails
I will
carefully consider your issues and feelings. As e-mail is text-based,
misunderstandings are possible. If a misunderstanding occurs it is important
that you let the counselor know in order to clarify our communications.
Also, it is important that we both keep communications honest, clear, and
free of profanity. If we believe this service is not suitable we will let
you know.
Payment Methods
-
All major credit card
payments can be made via PayPal online.
-
Money Order payment can
be made via the United States Postal Service. (Please provide a return
address or e-mail address)
Counseling Fees
The fee for
this service is currently $29.95 and is subject to change without notice.
Current prices are displayed when you enter the PayPal account by clicking
the "add to cart" button at the top and bottom of this page. If you
agree with all the above Terms and Conditions of service and
you wish to pursue this service, then simply click the "add to cart"
button and continue through this process. When you make this purchase you
are, in effect, agreeing with the Terms and Conditions of this service.
There will be no refunds for service.
Once your
payment has been approved, the computer will automatically offer you a
dialog box in which to communicate with us. When we receive your payment
and subsequent e-mail, we will then contact you (usually within 72 hours
or three working days) via e-mail to offer our feedback. E-mails
are checked once a day Monday to Friday only; e-mails are not checked
Saturdays or Sundays.
After submitting payment you will
be automatically directed to our "Counseling Form" by clicking the "Return
to Merchant" button in the lower left corner of the PayPal
page!
OR
you can
mail your payment by Check or Money Order to:
HIM Ministries
PO Box 51
Hamilton, Missouri 64644
Phone: 800.261.8977
Fax: 816.583.7425
Email:
counseling@HIM-Ministries.com
IMPORTANT MESSAGE!!!
After making your payment with PayPal, you
MUST click the "Return to
Merchant" button in the lower left corner of that page to be able to send your counseling message to HIM
Online Counseling!!!
