LCSW
What is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)?
A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is a mental health professional trained to provide therapy, counseling, and support for individuals, couples, families, and groups. LCSWs specialize in helping clients navigate emotional and psychological challenges, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and life transitions. They use evidence-based therapeutic approaches to promote emotional well-being and personal growth.
Education & Training
To become an LCSW, a professional must earn a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited program, complete supervised clinical hours, and pass a licensing exam. Their training includes mental health assessment, psychotherapy techniques, crisis intervention, and advocacy.
What an LCSW Can & Can’t Do
✅ LCSWs Can:
Provide therapy and counseling for a variety of mental health concerns.
Help clients develop coping strategies and emotional regulation skills.
Assist individuals in managing stress, trauma, grief, and life transitions.
Offer support in relationship dynamics, family systems, and behavioral challenges.
Connect clients with resources and community support services.
❌ LCSWs Cannot:
Prescribe medication – Only psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and physicians can prescribe medication.
Provide medical diagnoses – While LCSWs assess and treat mental health concerns, formal medical diagnoses are typically made by medical doctors or psychiatrists.
Serve as legal representatives – LCSWs can offer professional recommendations but do not provide legal counsel or act as legal advocates.
NASW Code Of Ethics
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has established a Code of Ethics to guide the professional behavior of social workers. The code includes principles such as respecting the dignity and worth of all individuals, promoting social justice, and maintaining confidentiality. Social workers are expected to adhere to these ethical standards in their practice, research, and other professional activities. The NASW Code of Ethics serves as a framework for social workers to ensure that they are providing ethical and effective services to their clients.
HIPAA
HIPAA, which stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, is a federal law that sets standards for protecting sensitive patient health information, including mental health information. For therapy, HIPAA requires that mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, take necessary precautions to protect the confidentiality of their clients' health information. This includes obtaining written authorization from clients before disclosing any information to third parties, such as insurance companies or family members. HIPAA also requires mental health professionals to implement secure electronic and physical storage of patient records and to follow strict privacy and security rules. HIPAA does not prevent mandated reporting of certain situations that may put a patient or others at risk, such as child abuse, elder abuse, or threats of violence. In these cases, therapists are legally obligated to report the situation to the proper authorities, even if it means breaking patient confidentialityBy complying with HIPAA, therapists can ensure that their clients' personal and sensitive health information is protected, which is crucial to maintaining trust and establishing a therapeutic relationship
Privacy Policy & Disclaimer
This Privacy Policy outlines how personal information is collected, used, and protected by Healing with Helena in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Information Collected
We may collect personal information from you, such as your name, address, phone number, email address, and health information. This information is collected when you contact us to schedule an appointment or when you provide it during a therapy session.
Use of Information
The personal information that we collect is used to provide therapy services to you and to communicate with you regarding your treatment. We may also use your information to bill your insurance or to communicate with other healthcare providers involved in your care.
Data Security
We take appropriate measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. We use encryption and secure storage to protect your information.
Third-Party Access
We will not disclose your personal information to third parties unless required by law or to provide you with treatment. We may share your information with your insurance provider to facilitate payment for services.
Consent
By providing us with your personal information, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of that information as described in this Privacy Policy.
Retention
We will retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide you with therapy services and as required by law.
User Rights
You have the right to access, correct, or delete your personal information. You also have the right to request that we restrict the use or disclosure of your information. To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.
Changes to Policy
We reserve the right to update or change this Privacy Policy at any time. We will provide notice of any material changes to this policy.
Contact Information
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact Healing With Helena.
Disclaimer for Healing With Helena Therapist Website:
The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional therapy or medical advice.
No therapist-client relationship is formed by accessing or using this website. If you are in need of therapy services, please contact us to schedule an appointment.
The content on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any mental health or eating disorder condition. It is not a substitute for treatment by a licensed therapist or mental health professional.
We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website, you are able to link to other websites which are not under our control. We have no control over the nature, content, and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, we take no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
If you have any questions or concerns about this disclaimer, please contact us using the information provided on the website.