Frontlines Ministries provides biblical debrief and counseling services via in person and/or live video, where the counselor and the missionary may not be in the same physical location. We want you to be fully informed about the services that we provide and the process so that you can make an informed decision.

Biblical Counseling

Frontlines Ministries is committed to providing high quality, wise and compassionate soul care by utilizing biblical counseling. The purpose of biblical counseling is to help you navigate the difficulties of life in a way that pleases God and strengthens your intimacy with Him. We want to do more than to just help you eliminate symptoms and numb the pain you may be experiencing. Our goal is to help you experience deep and fulfilling joy empowered by God so that you would be strengthened to do the most possible good. Spiritual, emotional and psychological care is not a new area of study for Christians. Contrary, we are able to utilize and synthesize deep wells of insight from some of history’s greatest soul care experts and from sound biblical wisdom. Because providing biblical counseling is not done under the supervision of a state sanctioned licensing board, we are able to learn from helpful modern psychological methods but are not mandated to practice from a non-Christian world view. Frontlines Ministries will not provide a mental health diagnosis, as listed in the latest Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and thereby may not be considered as an “out-of-network mental health provider” by many insurance companies.

Tele-Conference Counseling

When not meeting in person, Frontlines Ministries uses Zoom to conduct meetings via teleconference. Frontlines will reach out to you with instructions about how to connect prior to your first session. Should Zoom not provide a strong connection for both video and audio communication, a backup platform will be utilized, as per the counselee’s preference. Some of the Zoom sessions may be recorded with your permission ahead of time. Every individual provided services by Frontlines Ministries will be screened to ensure that teleconference counseling is an appropriate service. Frontlines Ministries will not knowingly serve any individual who is experiencing acute instability due to substance abuse, suicidality or violence, as teleconference counseling is not appropriate in these cases for safety reasons. Similarly, counselors with Frontlines Ministries cannot engage in emergency services or provide 24 hour on-call services in the way that they would if they were caring for an individual at a local office. Because of these limitations, there is additional risk to receiving care via teleconference counseling.

Email Communication

In order to communicate with you and to coordinate care, Frontlines Ministries counselors routinely use email communication. Email messages sent over the Internet are not encrypted and may be intercepted by unauthorized parties; Frontlines Ministries does not have a means to control email security. By signing this document, you expressly state that you understand this risk, and that you provide authorization for Frontlines Ministries counselors to use email to communicate with you and/or other individuals involved in your care.

Confidentiality

You are volunteering to receive biblical counseling services regardless of race, gender, religion, economic status, sexual preference, disability or beliefs. Your privacy and confidentiality are of great importance to us. Your information will not be released unless you give your informed written consent. There are some limitations to privacy and confidentiality including:

1. When records are subpoenaed by a proper legal authority.

2. When there is a suspicion of child abuse or abuse of a vulnerable adult.

3. Where your counselor may confer with colleagues for consultation.

4. When there is a clear and immediate danger to an individual or society.

Resolution of Conflicts

In the rare occasion that a conflict may arise between counselor and counselee, we require all of our counselees to agree that any dispute that arises between the counselee and the counselor/Frontlines Ministries be settled with mediation within the church, according to the principles of scripture and the authority of the local church, to make sure that any such conflicts be resolved in a biblically faithful manner, not bringing public dishonor to Christ and His gospel.

Your Responsibilities

Counseling is collaborative process. Your electronic signature indicates your willingness to be honest, accurate and complete about what you discuss so that it is possible for your counselor to provide the best possible care. Additionally, you agree:

1. To discuss and share your concerns and to ask questions if you are confused or need clarification.

2. To follow the plan developed by you and your counselor, follow through with assignments, referrals and report changes that are relevant.

3. To honor your financial agreement with Frontlines Ministries, if applicable.

For counseling sessions, Frontlines Ministries requires you or your church to buy a monthly package for the identified number of teleconference counseling sessions. For debriefing, Frontlines Ministries requires you or your church to purchase the full debrief package at an agreed rate. It is your responsibility to keep your scheduled appointments as missed appointments will not be refunded.

By completing the below forms I am agreeing that I have read, understood and agree to the items in Frontlines Ministries’ INFORMED CONSENT.