Policies 

I. Ownership and Acceptance of Terms

This website is owned and operated by Ventresca Psychology & Wellness, PLLC (“the Practice”). By accessing or using this website, you acknowledge and agree that you are bound by the terms and conditions set forth herein. Use of this website constitutes a binding acknowledgment that you have read, understood, and consented to these Terms in full. If you do not agree with these terms, you must immediately discontinue use of this website.

 II. Educational and Informational Use Only

The content contained on this website is provided strictly for general educational and informational purposes. Nothing contained herein is intended to constitute, and shall not be construed as, medical, psychological, legal, financial, or other professional advice. The information published on this website should not be relied upon for the purpose of evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment of any psychological or medical condition. No information provided through this website creates a duty of care, standard of care, or professional obligation. This website is not, and shall not be considered, a substitute for formal psychological evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed provider.

III. No Establishment of Professional Relationship

The mere use of this website, including but not limited to the act of contacting the Practice or Dr. Alicia R. Ventresca through email or any other electronic means referenced herein, does not create or establish a professional relationship of any kind. A provider–patient relationship shall only be formed following a mutual agreement between the parties, completion of the intake process, execution of required informed consent forms, and confirmation that psychological services may lawfully be provided in accordance with applicable licensure laws, regulations, and ethical standards. No therapeutic relationship shall be deemed to exist absent the Provider’s explicit written confirmation of acceptance into care. 

IV. Scope of Licensure and Practice

Dr. Alicia R. Ventresca is fully licensed as a psychologist in the states of Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Florida. She is further authorized under the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) to provide telepsychology services to patients who are physically located in PSYPACT-participating states at the time of the session. Patients are responsible for confirming and truthfully representing their physical location within an eligible jurisdiction prior to and during any telepsychology session. The Provider reserves the right to require proof of physical location (such as verbal confirmation, driver’s license, or IP verification) during a session for compliance purposes. Knowingly misrepresenting physical location for purposes of receiving psychological services constitutes fraud and may result in immediate termination and potential legal reporting. All psychological services are delivered strictly in accordance with state licensure laws and regulations. 

V. Telepsychology and Technology

All professional care, scheduling, and recordkeeping are conducted exclusively through SimplePractice®, a HIPAA-compliant electronic health record and practice management system. This system constitutes the sole authorized medium for the conduct of professional services, including but not limited to scheduling, billing, clinical documentation, and secure communications, once a provider–patient relationship is formally established.

The professional email address listed on this website is provided solely for purposes of general business inquiries and initial consultation requests. Email, text messaging, and other non-secure communication methods are not HIPAA-compliant and shall not, under any circumstance, be used for treatment purposes, emergency communications, or the transmission of confidential or protected health information (PHI). Any personal information transmitted outside the secure SimplePractice platform is transmitted entirely at the sender’s own risk, and the Practice expressly disclaims liability for any resulting disclosure, interception, or unauthorized access.

Upon initiation of treatment, all communications related to care—including but not limited to scheduling, coordination, and clinical messaging—must occur exclusively through the secure SimplePractice client portal. The Provider shall not respond to clinical or treatment-related communications transmitted via personal email, text message, or social media platforms. For clarity, the Provider has no duty to read or respond to unsolicited communications sent outside the secure portal.

Notwithstanding the use of industry-standard safeguards, patients are hereby advised that all forms of electronic communication, including telepsychology platforms, inherently involve certain risks, including but not limited to service interruptions, transmission delays, unauthorized access, interception, and data breaches. By engaging in telepsychology services, patients expressly acknowledge, assume, and accept these risks.

Telepsychology services shall only be rendered following the successful completion of the intake process and execution of an informed consent document specific to telehealth services. The Provider retains sole clinical and legal discretion to determine appropriateness for telepsychology and may withdraw or modify telehealth privileges at any time if clinically or ethically indicated.

VI. Emergencies

Telepsychology services and electronic communications shall not be used in the event of emergencies or urgent clinical concerns. In the event of an urgent or life-threatening situation, patients are instructed to immediately dial 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency department. Patients are further required to maintain current local emergency contact information within the secure SimplePractice portal to enable the Provider to respond appropriately in the event of a clinical concern. The Practice does not provide on-call, crisis, or emergency services.

VII. Limitations of Service, Conduct, and Termination

The Practice endeavors to maintain the availability and functionality of telepsychology services and related electronic systems; however, the Practice makes no warranty or guarantee of uninterrupted service. The Practice shall not be held liable for any delays, interruptions, or damages arising from technological issues, third-party platform failures, or events beyond its reasonable control.

Patients are strictly prohibited from recording, in whole or in part, any audio or video of telehealth sessions without the prior written consent of the Provider. Any unauthorized recording constitutes a material breach of the professional agreement and may result in immediate termination of services.

Patients are further advised that communications transmitted via social media platforms—including but not limited to “likes,” comments, or direct messages—shall not be considered therapeutic communication, shall not be acknowledged, and shall not serve as a substitute for clinical contact.

The Provider reserves the right, in her sole clinical and professional discretion, to terminate services for violation of practice policies, nonpayment of fees, harassment or inappropriate conduct, unauthorized recordings, or any other breach of this Agreement. Any termination shall be conducted consistent with applicable professional ethics, including the provision of referrals where clinically appropriate. The Provider expressly reserves the right to decline or discontinue services if continuation would violate law, ethics, or standard of care.

VIII. HIPAA, Privacy, and Data Protection

This website is not a secure platform for the transmission of personal health information. Confidential or sensitive information, including PHI, must not be submitted through this website or via unencrypted email. Communications sent to the Practice via this website or email are not continuously monitored, and response times are not guaranteed. For patients with an established treatment relationship, executed informed consent documents and practice policies shall govern in the event of any inconsistency with statements made on this website. This website utilizes cookies and standard analytics tools to collect limited information, including contact details when provided directly, and website usage data. Users may control cookies through browser settings; however, disabling cookies may affect site functionality. All data transmitted through this website is protected through commercially reasonable safeguards. Nonetheless, no online system is entirely secure, and patients are cautioned not to share sensitive information via email. Established patients must use the secure methods of communication made available through SimplePractice. In the event of a data breach involving PHI, the Practice shall notify affected patients consistent with HIPAA breach notification requirements. Communications and related records are retained only for so long as necessary to satisfy business, legal, or security purposes. Patients may request access to, correction of, or deletion of personal data collected through this website by contacting the Practice directly. The Practice does not sell personal information to third parties. The Practice does not guarantee the security of any third-party links, plug-ins, or platforms (including but not limited to videoconferencing or payment systems) and disclaims liability for breaches occurring through such third parties. Use of third-party links or platforms is at the user’s sole risk.

IX. Email Disclaimer

The professional email address listed on this website is intended only for general inquiries and initial consultation requests. Email communications shall not be used for treatment, scheduling, urgent or emergent care, or transmission of PHI. Email is not continuously monitored, and response times are not guaranteed. Any email communication, and any attachments thereto, may contain privileged, confidential, or PHI intended solely for the designated recipient. Unauthorized review, use, disclosure, or distribution is strictly prohibited. If an email is received in error, the recipient must immediately notify the sender and permanently delete the communication. Email communications do not establish, and shall not be deemed to establish, a provider–patient relationship. By transmitting or responding to email communications, the sender acknowledges and accepts the risks inherent in unencrypted communication and assumes all responsibility for any consequences thereof. The Practice expressly disclaims liability for any damages arising from email use. Use of email constitutes informed consent to these terms.

X. Insurance and Financial Responsibility

Engagement in psychological services, whether telepsychology or in-person, does not guarantee insurance coverage or reimbursement. Patients remain fully responsible for all fees incurred, irrespective of insurance reimbursement or denial of benefits. Submission of insurance claims, when applicable, shall be the sole responsibility of the patient. The Practice does not complete forms for disability, worker’s compensation, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), emotional support animals, or other third-party requests. The Provider reserves sole discretion to decline the completion of such documentation. Outstanding balances must be resolved prior to the continuation of care. The Practice reserves the right to suspend or terminate services due to nonpayment, consistent with applicable ethical standards.

XI. Additional Provisions

External Links: This website may provide links to external websites for convenience only. Such links do not constitute endorsement, and the Practice is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or availability of external sites.

Minors: The services provided by the Practice are intended solely for adults, defined as individuals eighteen (18) years of age or older. The Practice does not provide psychological services to minors and does not knowingly collect information from children under thirteen (13).

Intellectual Property: All original content on this website, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, logos, and designs, is the property of Ventresca Psychology & Wellness, PLLC and is protected by law. Such content may not be reproduced, distributed, or otherwise used without prior written consent. Licensed stock images provided through Squarespace® are used in accordance with licensing terms and are not claimed as property of the Practice. Scraping, framing, or data-mining of website content, or its commercial use without permission, is strictly prohibited.

No Warranties: This website and its contents are provided on an “as is” basis. The Practice makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding accuracy, completeness, availability, or fitness for any purpose. No guarantee of outcome is made with respect to psychological services.

Online Reviews: Patients are advised that the Practice cannot and will not respond to online reviews or public commentary in order to preserve patient confidentiality. Patients who choose to post personal health information in public forums do so at their own risk, and the Practice assumes no responsibility for the consequences of such disclosures.

XII. Legal Terms

Severability: If any provision of this Disclaimer or associated policies is deemed invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall remain valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Modification of Terms: The Practice reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to modify, amend, or update this Disclaimer and related policies at any time without prior notice. Continued use of this website constitutes acceptance of any such modifications.

Limitation of Liability: To the maximum extent permitted by law, Ventresca Psychology & Wellness, PLLC, Dr. Alicia R. Ventresca, and any agents, employees, or contractors shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, exemplary, or punitive damages, including but not limited to damages for loss of profits, goodwill, data, or other intangible losses, arising out of or relating to the use of this website, reliance on website content, or participation in telepsychology services. Any liability, if established, shall in no event exceed the total amount paid by the patient to the Practice for the services giving rise to the claim.

Indemnification: By accessing or using this website, you agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Ventresca Psychology & Wellness, PLLC, Dr. Alicia R. Ventresca, and any affiliated professionals from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, expenses, or fees (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or related to (i) your violation of these terms, (ii) misuse of this website, or (iii) unlawful or unauthorized use of any content, information, or services provided herein.

Force Majeure: The Practice shall not be liable or deemed to be in breach of this Agreement for any delay or failure to perform resulting from events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, pandemics, cyberattacks, power outages, acts of government, labor disputes, or failures of third-party providers.

Choice of Law and Jurisdiction: These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to conflict-of-law principles. You agree that any disputes arising out of or relating to this website, the services provided, or any professional relationship shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Palm Beach County, Florida, and you hereby waive any objection to jurisdiction or venue in such courts. You further waive the right to a jury trial to the fullest extent permitted by law. The prevailing party in any dispute shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs. Use of this website constitutes consent to personal jurisdiction in the courts of Florida.

XIII. Patient Responsibilities

By engaging with Ventresca Psychology & Wellness, PLLC (“the Practice”) or Dr. Alicia R. Ventresca, Psy.D. (“Provider”) for psychological services – whether in person or via telepsychology – the patient expressly acknowledges, understands, and agrees to the following obligations, which are integral to the safe, ethical, and lawful provision of professional psychological care:

Accuracy and Ongoing Disclosure: The patient affirms that all information – including personal identifiers, background, psychological symptoms, medication, and current physical location—is true, complete, and accurate to the best of their knowledge. The patient agrees to promptly update the Provider regarding any material change to such information, including but not limited to residence, physical location at the time of session, emergency contacts, medical status, or legal circumstances that may affect treatment or risk management.

Licensure and Jurisdictional Compliance: The patient understands that services may only be rendered when they are physically located within a jurisdiction in which the Provider is lawfully licensed (FL, MA, PA) or PSYPACT-authorized to practice. The patient agrees to truthfully disclose their physical location at each session and to comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards governing telepsychology. Any misrepresentation of location or eligibility for services constitutes a material breach of this Agreement and may result in immediate termination of care and, where applicable, mandatory reporting to licensing authorities.

Telepsychology Participation and Technology Use: The patient agrees to participate in telehealth sessions from a private, safe, and distraction-free environment, using secure and functioning technology. The patient assumes full responsibility for maintaining confidentiality on their end, including use of secure networks and prevention of unauthorized access by third parties. The patient shall not record, copy, or disseminate any portion of a telehealth session.

Engagement, Adherence, and Professional Conduct: The patient agrees to actively engage in the therapeutic process and communicate in an open and honest manner regarding clinical goals or challenges. The patient agrees to conduct themselves respectfully and professionally in all communications and interactions, including electronic correspondence. Disruptive, harassing, or unsafe behavior may result in modification or termination of services consistent with APA Ethics Code Standards 3.04 (Avoiding Harm), 10.09 (Interruption of Therapy), and 10.10 (Termination of Therapy).

Emergency Preparedness and Risk Reporting: The patient is responsible for maintaining accurate and current local emergency contact information in the SimplePractice portal and notifying the Provider of any imminent risk of harm to self or others, significant changes in functioning, or emergency mental health concerns. Telepsychology shall not be used for crisis intervention. In the event of an emergency, the patient agrees to immediately call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency department.

Acknowledgment of Ethical Standards and Limitations: The patient acknowledges that all professional services are governed by the ethical principles and standards of the American Psychological Association (APA), the Florida Psychological Association (FPA), the Massachusetts Psychological Association (MPA), and the Pennsylvania Psychological Association (PPA), as applicable, as well as PSYPACT. The patient understands that psychological services involve no guarantee of results and that therapeutic progress depends on mutual effort and compliance.

Assumption of Responsibility: The patient understands and agrees that failure to provide accurate information, adhere to treatment or safety recommendations, maintain privacy during sessions, or comply with professional and legal requirements may compromise care and relieve the Provider of ongoing duty to treat. The Practice expressly disclaims liability for any harm, loss, or consequence arising from the patient’s non-compliance, misrepresentation, or misuse of telepsychology services. The patient’s continued participation constitutes acknowledgment of personal responsibility, assumption of risk, and acceptance of all terms herein.