Better Selves Counseling Services, Inc. (Pompano Beach, FL)
Last Updated: March 2026
1. Digital Privacy & Data Collection
At Better Selves Counseling, we are committed to protecting your digital privacy.
- Voluntary Information: We collect your name, email, and phone number via our contact form to respond to inquiries.
- Automatic Information: We use cookies and Google Analytics to collect non-identifying information (IP address, browser type) to improve site performance.
- The “Unencrypted Data” Warning: Information sent via our standard website contact form is not encrypted. By using this form, you acknowledge the inherent privacy risks of unencrypted email. Please do not send sensitive clinical information or “Old Feelings” details via this form. Once a provider-patient relationship is established, all clinical communication must occur through our HIPAA-compliant Secure Portal.
2. Clinical Confidentiality & Florida Law
While we prioritize your privacy, Florida law (§ 491.0147, F.S.) and federal law (HIPAA) define specific circumstances where confidentiality must be breached:
- Mandatory Reporting: We are required by law to report suspected abuse, neglect, or abandonment of a child (§ 39.201, F.S.) or a vulnerable/elderly adult (§ 415.1034, F.S.).
- Duty to Warn: If a client communicates a specific, serious threat of physical violence against an identifiable victim, we have a legal duty to notify law enforcement and the intended victim.
- Legal Proceedings: Records may be disclosed if a judge issues a court order or during certain child custody litigation as required by Florida evidence code.
- Parental Rights (Minors): Per the Florida Parents’ Bill of Rights, parents or legal guardians generally have the right to access their minor child’s clinical records, unless such access is prohibited by a specific court order or criminal investigation.
3. Terms of Service & Clinical Disclaimer
- Educational Purpose Only: All content on
betterselvescounseling.com, including blog posts regarding anxiety, burnout, or trauma, is for educational purposes. It is not medical or psychological advice. - No Provider-Patient Relationship: Contacting us via this website does not create a therapist-client relationship. This relationship is only established after a formal intake assessment, a determination of clinical fit, and the signing of our Informed Consent for Treatment.
- Jurisdictional Limitation: Better Selves Counseling is licensed to practice in the State of Florida. We do not provide clinical services to individuals physically located outside of Florida at the time of service.
4. Crisis Intervention & Safety
This website is not monitored 24/7. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, do not wait for a return email. Please utilize the following Florida and National resources:
- Immediate Danger: Call 911.
- National Crisis Line: Call or text 988.
- Local Emergency Care: Visit the nearest emergency department (e.g., Broward Health North or Holy Cross Health).
5. Records Retention
In accordance with Rule 64B4-9.001, F.A.C., Better Selves Counseling maintains clinical records for a minimum of 7 years after the last date of service. For minors, records are retained for at least 7 years or until the client reaches the age of 22, whichever is longer.
6. Data Sovereignty Guarantee
Better Selves Counseling complies with § 408.051(3), F.S. We certify that all electronic health records are maintained on servers within the Continental United States. We do not utilize offshore subcontractors for the storage or processing of Protected Health Information (PHI).
7. Governing Law
These terms and your use of this website are governed by the laws of the State of Florida. Any disputes arising from these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Broward County, Florida.
For more information on Florida telehealth regulations, please visit https://flhealthsource.gov/telehealth/