Ethics & Professional Standards

The ethical commitments that guide every aspect of our practice.

Ethical foundation

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Felicia Caulk adheres to the highest standards of professional ethics and conduct. Our practice is governed by:

  • The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics — the primary professional standard for social workers in the United States
  • The Virginia Board of Social Work regulations and licensing requirements
  • The Virginia Department of Health Professions standards of practice
  • HIPAA and federal regulations governing patient privacy and protected health information
  • The APA Ethics Code principles as they apply to mental health practice

Our commitments to you

Confidentiality

What you share in therapy stays in therapy. We protect your privacy with the same rigor that HIPAA requires and the same care that the therapeutic relationship demands. Confidentiality is broken only in the limited circumstances required by law: imminent danger to yourself or others, suspected abuse of a child or vulnerable adult, or a valid court order. These exceptions are discussed clearly at the start of treatment.

Informed consent

Before beginning treatment, you will receive clear, written information about:

  • The nature and goals of therapy
  • The approaches and methods used (CBT, DBT)
  • The expected duration and frequency of treatment
  • Fees, payment policies, and your Good Faith Estimate
  • The limits of confidentiality
  • Your rights as a client, including the right to end treatment at any time
  • Risks and benefits of therapy
  • Alternatives to therapy

You have the right to ask questions about any aspect of your treatment at any time. Informed consent is not a one-time form; it is an ongoing conversation.

Competence

We provide services only within the boundaries of our education, training, supervised experience, and professional credentials. We maintain competence through ongoing continuing education, clinical supervision (as applicable), and staying current with evidence-based practices and research in mental health treatment.

If your needs fall outside our scope of competence, we will discuss this with you honestly and provide referrals to appropriate professionals.

Boundaries and dual relationships

We maintain clear professional boundaries to protect the integrity of the therapeutic relationship:

  • We do not engage in dual relationships that could impair professional judgment or create a risk of exploitation (e.g., personal, financial, or social relationships with current clients)
  • We do not accept gifts of significant value from clients
  • We do not provide therapy to close friends, family members, or individuals with whom we have a pre-existing personal relationship
  • If we encounter you in the community, we will not acknowledge the therapeutic relationship unless you initiate contact, to protect your privacy
  • Social media: We do not accept friend or connection requests from current or former clients on personal social media accounts. This is to protect your confidentiality, not a reflection of the therapeutic relationship

Non-discrimination

We are committed to providing equitable, affirming care to all individuals. We do not discriminate in the provision of services based on:

  • Race, ethnicity, or national origin
  • Sex, gender identity, or gender expression
  • Sexual orientation
  • Age
  • Religion, spirituality, or belief system
  • Disability or health status
  • Socioeconomic status
  • Immigration status
  • Marital or family status
  • Political affiliation

We strive to create an environment where every client feels safe, respected, and valued as they are.

Client rights

As a client of this practice, you have the right to:

  • Respect and dignity in all interactions
  • Confidentiality of your records and communications, within the limits described above and in our Privacy Policy
  • Informed consent before treatment and throughout the course of care
  • Self-determination: The right to participate actively in your treatment decisions and to refuse any recommended intervention
  • Access to your records as provided by HIPAA and Virginia law
  • A clear explanation of fees and a Good Faith Estimate before services begin
  • Termination of therapy at any time, for any reason, without penalty
  • Referrals to other professionals if your needs fall outside our scope of practice
  • Filing a complaint without fear of retaliation

Telehealth ethics

Virtual therapy introduces unique ethical considerations that we take seriously:

  • We verify your identity and location at the start of each virtual session
  • We confirm you are physically located in Virginia during the session, as our license permits practice only within the Commonwealth
  • We use only HIPAA-compliant platforms with signed Business Associate Agreements
  • We maintain a safety plan that includes your physical location and local emergency resources in case of crisis during a virtual session
  • We will discuss with you whether telehealth is clinically appropriate for your needs, and will recommend in-person care or referral if telehealth is not a good fit
  • Virtual sessions are not recorded

Ending therapy

You have the right to end therapy at any time. When the therapeutic relationship comes to a close — whether because you've met your goals, need a different type of care, or simply choose to stop — we are committed to:

  • Supporting a thoughtful termination process whenever possible
  • Providing referrals to other providers if appropriate
  • Never abandoning a client — if we are unable to continue providing services, we will assist with transition to another provider
  • Maintaining confidentiality after the therapeutic relationship ends

Concerns and complaints

If you have concerns about your treatment or believe an ethical standard has been violated, we encourage you to raise the issue directly with us first. We are committed to addressing concerns openly and respectfully.

You also have the right to file a complaint with:

You will never be retaliated against for raising a concern or filing a complaint.

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