Terms of Use Policy for Play Heals Teletherapy

Doing Business As (DBA) of Lucia Cortes, LCSW, LLC – Serving Pennsylvania Families and Individuals

Introduction

Welcome! I am grateful for your interest in Play Heals Teletherapy, my solo therapy practice serving children, adolescents, and families throughout Pennsylvania. My practice operates under the legal business entity Lucia Cortes, LCSW, LLC, with Play Heals Teletherapy as my registered “Doing Business As” (DBA) name. By choosing to engage with my website, you place your trust in me—not only as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, but as someone committed to transparency, care, and ethical service.

This Terms of Use policy explains in straightforward, compassionate language how I expect visitors to interact with my website, the boundaries of what it offers, legal protections around my content, and important limitations regarding telehealth and therapeutic relationships. My aim is to provide a safe, accessible, and welcoming online environment for parents, caregivers, and individuals seeking knowledge about mental health or teletherapy services, while also complying with all relevant privacy and professional regulations in Pennsylvania.

Please read this policy carefully. By accessing and using my website, you acknowledge that you agree to the following terms. If you have concerns, feel free to contact me directly. I want this policy to foster clarity and confidence, not confusion or anxiety—my door, both virtual and real, is always open for discussion.

About Play Heals Teletherapy and the Legal Entity

To ensure full transparency, please note: Play Heals Teletherapy is the registered DBA (“Doing Business As”) of Lucia Cortes, LCSW, LLC, which is my formal business entity. All therapeutic services, policies, and website activities are the responsibility of Lucia Cortes, LCSW, LLC, a Pennsylvania Limited Liability Company. When this document refers to “my practice,” “I,” or “me,” it means Lucia Cortes, LCSW, acting on behalf of the LLC and under the Play Heals Teletherapy name.

This clear structure helps families and other users understand who is behind all services and communications, and is an important legal and ethical best practice for any business operating under a DBA.

Purpose and Scope of Website Content

My website exists primarily to inform and support individuals and families seeking information about child, adolescent, and family mental health. I share educational resources, general wellness information, and insight into my therapy approach, as well as providing ways to contact me for therapy appointments or consultations.

However, please note: All information on this website is for general informational purposes only. This site is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor to replace a professional, individualized evaluation by a licensed mental health provider.

The website is also not an emergency service. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact 911 or call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

No Establishment of Therapist–Client Relationship

It is very important to me to set clear expectations. Your use of this website, including viewing articles, sending a contact form, or scheduling a consultation, does not establish a therapeutic relationship or constitute the provision of clinical social work, counseling, or any form of medical or therapeutic advice. Reading information here or contacting me via the website does not make you my therapy client.

A formal therapeutic relationship is established only after (1) a mutual agreement to begin therapy, (2) completion of all required intake paperwork and consent forms, and (3) a clear understanding of mutual responsibilities. Until these steps occur, no professional–client therapy relationship exists between us.

Acceptable Use of the Website

You are warmly invited to browse my site and access its information for your own personal, non-commercial use. However, there are important boundaries to protect all users and maintain a welcoming, secure space.

You agree to:

• Use this website in a lawful, respectful, and considerate manner, for personal, non-commercial purposes only.

• Refrain from uploading, posting, or transmitting any information that is unlawful, threatening, defamatory, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate for a family-friendly mental health resource.

• Avoid any attempt to access data, areas, or systems not intended for public use or to compromise the website’s security.

• Not attempt to copy, distribute, modify, reverse-engineer, or create derivative works from the website content unless you receive my explicit, written permission.

• Not submit any confidential personal health information, especially about a child or minor, through general contact forms or unencrypted channels. I urge you not to share protected health information (PHI) via unsecured email or unprotected online forms.

These guidelines are rooted in professional standards, HIPAA requirements, and a sincere commitment to protecting your privacy and my work environment.

If you violate these terms, I reserve the right to limit or revoke your access to the website and, if needed, take legal or other appropriate action to safeguard my practice and its users.

Intellectual Property Protection

All content found on playhealsteletherapy.com—including but not limited to text, graphics, images, blog posts, design elements, practice name, and logo—is the sole property of Lucia Cortes, LCSW, LLC, operating as Play Heals Teletherapy, unless otherwise specifically noted. My intellectual property is protected under both U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws.

You are welcome to read, download, or print materials from this site for your own personal, educational use. You may not copy, share, publish, transmit, modify, sell, or exploit any content from this website for commercial gain or public dissemination without my explicit, written permission.

If you wish to use or share any of my resources within a school, parenting group, or similar community organization, please contact me first—I appreciate your respect for my work and am often happy to discuss permissions for compassionate purposes.

Any unauthorized use of my intellectual property—or use of third-party content I have licensed or referenced—may result in civil or criminal penalties, as allowed by law.

Telehealth and Remote Services: Special Terms

Nature of Telehealth

Play Heals Teletherapy provides therapy exclusively through telehealth for individuals and families residing in Pennsylvania, following all state licensure and scope-of-practice guidelines for Licensed Clinical Social Workers. Sessions are conducted via secure video platforms that are compliant with HIPAA and Pennsylvania telehealth requirements.

Telehealth has many benefits, including increased accessibility and comfort for families. However, online therapy is inherently different from in-person services, and certain limitations apply. There can be technology disruptions and differences in communication or therapeutic experience. For certain complex or urgent concerns, in-person referral may still be necessary.

Telehealth Eligibility and Limitations

• Geography: I only provide telehealth services to clients physically located in Pennsylvania at the time of the session, as required by state law.

• Licensing: My social work license is valid in Pennsylvania, and I do not serve clients located outside Pennsylvania, even temporarily, due to regulatory restrictions on remote practice.

• Informed Consent: Before beginning teletherapy, clients must review and sign an informed consent document that clearly explains technology risks, confidentiality, and crisis procedures. This website does not collect or transmit such consent—those steps occur separately, using HIPAA-compliant systems.

• Privacy and Security: I use encrypted, secure video conferencing and electronic records systems, and I never store client PHI on the public website. However, no internet technology can be guaranteed fully secure, and therapy clients share responsibility for ensuring their own privacy during remote sessions (such as using a private room and secure internet connection).

Emergency and Crisis Limitations

Teletherapy is not the right venue for acute emergencies or severe mental health crises. If you or your family member is in immediate danger, please seek help by calling 911, going to the nearest emergency room, or using the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

I am committed to providing guidance for urgent support during established therapeutic relationships, but this website and telehealth platform are not monitored 24/7 and cannot offer immediate intervention.

Limitation of Liability and Disclaimers

Information Only, No Guarantees

All content available on this website is intended for general information and educational purposes only. It is not intended as professional psychological, medical, legal, or health advice, nor as a substitute for therapy, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed provider.

While I strive for accuracy and usefulness, I do not guarantee that the information on this site is current, complete, or applicable to every user’s situation. Applying information from this site without the consultation of a qualified professional is done solely at your own risk. If you have questions or concerns about your mental or physical health, please consult with a qualified health care provider.

No Warranties

This website and its content are provided “as is,” without any warranties, express or implied. I make no guarantees regarding the content’s availability, security, reliability, or ability to meet your needs. I disclaim any liability for damages or losses arising from your use (or inability to use) this website, downloading of content, or any errors or omissions in information provided.

I am not responsible for any harm, loss, or damage—direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential—that you or anyone else may sustain by using, relying on, or acting upon information or services found here. This includes, but is not limited to, damages from lost data, missed appointments, technology outages, or actions taken based on information found here.

Third-Party Content and Links

This website may contain links to third-party websites or resources. These are provided solely for convenience, and I do not control, endorse, or assume responsibility for their content, privacy practices, or accuracy. Accessing outside links is at your own discretion and risk.

User Communications and Privacy

Use of Contact Forms and Communications

You may use the website’s contact forms or provided email address to request information about my therapy services or to arrange a prompt informational call or consultation.

• Do not use the contact form to send personal health details (PHI), sensitive medical or mental health information, or confidential data. I encourage you to only include your name, a non-sensitive email address or phone number, and a brief description of your interest in services.

• Any information you provide will be handled with care but does not constitute a secure, HIPAA-protected transmission unless and until you become a therapy client, have signed all required documentation, and are using designated secure platforms.

Children under the age of 13 should not use this website or submit any information without the consent and involvement of a parent or legal guardian. As my practice is geared toward families and minors, parental involvement and consent are essential.

For information regarding data collected and your rights, please refer to my separate Privacy Policy, which details how information is collected, stored, and used, in accordance with HIPAA and other relevant laws.

Compliance with Pennsylvania and HIPAA Regulations

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Pennsylvania, and as the owner of Lucia Cortes, LCSW, LLC, I strictly comply with all federal and state privacy, licensure, and telehealth regulations. This includes, but is not limited to:

• The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), governing the protection and confidentiality of all protected health information (PHI).

• Pennsylvania’s regulations for the provision of telehealth services by licensed professionals.

• Professional standards of the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors.

I require all clients engaging in therapy to sign separate written agreements and informed consent documents covering confidentiality, HIPAA protections, telehealth procedures, and emergency protocols as part of the client intake process.

Intellectual Property and Copyright Notice

The entirety of the website’s content, including text, images, branding, and design, remains exclusively the intellectual property of Lucia Cortes, LCSW, LLC, doing business as Play Heals Teletherapy—unless otherwise noted and credited.

• You may download or print single copies of resources for your own non-commercial, educational use.

• You may not copy, publish, adapt, or distribute any part of the website’s content for commercial use or public display without my prior, written authorization.

• Requests for educational or community use are welcome—please contact me for permission.

Unauthorized use or reproduction of any material from this website may lead to civil or criminal penalties under copyright, trademark, and related laws.

Changes to These Terms

I may occasionally update these Terms of Use to reflect changes in laws, regulations, technology, or my service offerings. Your continued use of this website following the posting of changes signifies your acceptance of the revised terms. The date of last revision will always be posted clearly at the top of this document.

Please review this policy regularly for updates—transparency and respect for your rights are very important to me.

Contact Information, Complaints, and Feedback

If you have any questions about these Terms of Use, have concerns about your privacy or your experience on the website, or want to inquire about using my resources in your organization, please contact me:

Lucia Cortes, LCSW, LLC
DBA Play Heals Teletherapy
2020 Lawfer Ave
Allentown, PA 18104
Phone: (484) 515-9848
Email: Lucia@lc-playhealsteletherapy.com

I am always open to suggestions for making this website more accessible, clear, and supportive for all users, especially families and parents.

Additional Disclaimers for Families and Children

As someone who works primarily with children, adolescents, and families, I have special respect for the importance of protecting young users’ privacy and safety. Here are a few warm reminders:

• Responsibility: Parents and guardians are encouraged to supervise children’s online activities and to use this website alongside younger family members.

• Educational Only: Any guides, articles, or blog posts on this website are intended for general reference and family learning—not as a substitute for personalized care, therapy, or medical advice.

• No Emergency Services: Neither this website nor Play Heals Teletherapy offers any type of emergency service, and the site is not monitored outside of business hours.

• Inclusive and Safe Space: All families, regardless of background, identity, or circumstance, are welcome on my website and in my practice. I am committed to serving the mental health needs of diverse children and parents in a trauma-informed, culturally competent, and compassionate manner.

If you are concerned about your child’s mental health, please do not use this website as your only resource. Seek guidance from licensed professionals or your child’s pediatrician.

Special Notice About Doing Business As (DBA)

You may see the name “Play Heals Teletherapy” throughout this website, forms, and communications. Please remember: All services are legally provided and guaranteed by Lucia Cortes, LCSW, LLC, with Play Heals Teletherapy as my registered trade (DBA) name.

In formal legal documents, correspondence, or agreements, I may reference both names as follows:

“Lucia Cortes, LCSW, LLC, doing business as Play Heals Teletherapy”

or

“Lucia Cortes, LCSW, LLC (DBA Play Heals Teletherapy)”.

This ensures you know who is responsible for your care and who holds legal accountability, providing greater transparency and trust.

Use of First-Person Singular Language

Throughout this policy, I intentionally use “I,” “me,” “my practice,” and “my website” to make this complicated legal document easier to understand and more personal. My commitment to warmth and accessibility means that you always know who you are communicating with. In moments that require formality (for example, legal claims or highly technical disclosures), I may reference “Lucia Cortes, LCSW, LLC, DBA Play Heals Teletherapy,” but I want you to feel the caring presence behind these words at all times.

Family-Friendly and Inclusive Tone

This website has been built with families and parents in mind. I know that legal policies can feel cold or intimidating, but mental health care is about compassion, inclusion, and trust. I strive for a balance between necessary legal protections and a welcoming, supportive tone at every step. Wherever possible, I have avoided jargon and explained legal concepts so that all families—whether you are new to therapy or seasoned in advocacy—will feel respected and at ease.

Accessibility and Feedback

My goal is to be as accessible and inclusive as possible. If you need this policy in another format, have suggestions for making the website more accessible to persons with disabilities, or wish to provide feedback about tone or content, please reach out to me. I am always looking to improve, and your insights are valued as an active part of making Play Heals Teletherapy a safe haven for all.

Conclusion and Final Acknowledgement

Thank you for reading and considering these Terms of Use. I want Play Heals Teletherapy, DBA of Lucia Cortes, LCSW, LLC, to be a trusted resource and warm starting point for your healing journey, even before you decide to become my client. By using this website, you agree to honor these terms and help nurture a community of respect, confidentiality, and growth.

If you have any questions, uncertainties, or requests for clarification, please contact me before using the website further or seeking my services. I am here for you.

Last updated: September 6, 2025

This Terms of Use policy was developed with guidance from current regulations and best practices for therapy professionals, incorporating up-to-date standards for telehealth, data privacy, acceptable use, intellectual property, and family-centered care. For more information on the legal and regulatory sources informing this document, please contact me directly.