Informed Consent

1. Your counselor

Your counselor is trained in our counseling method and works under the supervision of our senior staff. Your counselor is not a licensed mental health professional, psychologist, therapist or medical provider, and will not diagnose, treat a mental health condition, or give medical or medication advice. Some counselors on the free nonprofit site are volunteers in training.

2. What sessions are

Conversations, one on one, aimed at helping you understand situations in your life, communicate better and decide your own next steps. You decide what to talk about and you can stop at any time. Sessions are not therapy and do not replace it: if you are under the care of a licensed professional, keep it, and tell your counselor.

3. Confidentiality and its limits

What you say in sessions and messages stays between you, your counselor and the supervising staff. We do not share it, except:

if there is a serious and immediate risk that you will harm yourself or someone else; if we learn of abuse or neglect of a child, an elder or a dependent adult, which in many states must be reported; or if a court orders it.

Because we are not a healthcare provider, the federal health privacy law (HIPAA) does not apply to us. We protect your information as described in our Privacy Policy.

4. Crisis

Friendly Counseling is not an emergency or crisis service. If you are thinking about harming yourself or someone else, or you are in danger, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911 right away.

If during a session your counselor believes you are in danger, they may ask where you are and contact emergency services.

5. Video sessions

Sessions happen in a private video room that only you and your counselor can enter, opened from your page. Sessions are not recorded. Choose a private place where you will not be overheard.

6. When this is not the right help

If your counselor sees that what you need is medical or licensed mental health care, they will tell you and suggest that you look for it. You can also ask for a different counselor at any time.

7. Your agreement

By checking the box you confirm that you read this, that you are 18 or older, and that you agree to take part in sessions on these terms. You can withdraw at any time by not booking more sessions.