Confidentiality Statement

  • Student Support and Wellness Services (SSWS) professionals are legally and ethically required to maintain confidentially of information shared by students in session with these exceptions:
    • If a SSWS staff member believes you are likely to harm yourself and/or another person
    • When there is apparent or suspected indication of physical or sexual abuse or neglect to a vulnerable person such as a child or dependent adult. This includes past or current abuse.
    • We are required to respond to subpoenas or court orders
    • If you sign a Request of Release of Information form
    Your record may be shared with other SSWS staff for clinical and administrative purposes.  

    Your SSWS record will never become part of your academic record at BCCC.

Risks and benefits of teletherapy:

  • Teletherapy refers to counseling services through technologies such as video conferencing or over the phone. Our office uses doxy.me for secure, HIPAA approved video counseling.

    Teletherapy is convenient for students, especially as we enter remote learning. It can offer more flexible scheduling or less waiting room time. It may also be more comfortable with students who may feel safer in their own space.

    Risks to confidentiality- Because teletherapy sessions take place outside of the counselor’s private office, there is potential for other people to overhear sessions if you are not in a private place during the session. Counselors will take reasonable steps to ensure your privacy, but it is important for you to make sure you find a private place for our session where you will not be interrupted.

    Issues related to technology- There are many ways that technology issues might impact teletherapy. For example, technology may stop working during a session, other people might be able to get access to our private conversation, or stored data could be accessed by unauthorized people or companies.

    Research shows that teletherapy is just as effective in most cases as traditional face-to-face counseling, depending on the student seeking counseling. Body language can be missed and crisis situations can be compromised. Some students may not be appropriate for teletherapy and this will be discussed with a counselor.