Effective Date: June 27, 2025 Welcome to the website of Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst, PhD, a licensed psychologist offering virtual therapy in Maryland and throughout the District of Columbia. These Terms and Conditions outline the legal agreements between you and Dr. Vanderhorst when using this website or engaging with any online mental health services provided. By accessing this site or scheduling services, you agree to the Terms and Conditions below, which are designed to promote ethical standards, ensure informed consent, and protect your personal rights and privacy.

1. Use of Website Content

All website content, including text, graphics, blog articles, and downloadable materials, is provided for general educational and informational purposes. This content is not intended as medical or psychological advice and should not replace consultation with a licensed healthcare professional. Always seek personalized support from a licensed provider if you are experiencing mental health concerns.

2. No Psychologist–Client Relationship Established

Viewing this website, submitting a contact form, or sending an email does not create a psychologist–client relationship. Such a relationship is only formed after a formal intake process, including mutual consent and signed agreements. Until that point, any communication is considered administrative and is not protected by HIPAA confidentiality laws.

3. Intellectual Property and Copyright

All original content and media on this site are the intellectual property of Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst unless otherwise attributed. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or reuse of any material from this website without written permission is prohibited. Respect for the intellectual rights of health professionals is essential to maintaining ethical boundaries in healthcare communications.

4. Privacy and Security

Dr. Vanderhorst values your privacy and complies with all applicable data protection laws. No clinical or protected health information (PHI) is stored directly on this website. For a full explanation of data practices, please review our Privacy Policy and HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices. These documents explain how your personal and non-clinical data are collected, used, and secured in accordance with ethical standards and HIPAA regulations.

5. Eligibility and Licensing Jurisdictions

Dr. Vanderhorst is a licensed psychologist in Maryland and Washington, DC. She offers virtual therapy services only to clients residing in states where she holds active licensure. Please review the Therapy Eligibility and Licensing page to confirm your eligibility before booking services. Engaging in therapy without meeting these requirements may result in canceled appointments and delayed access to care.

6. Third-Party Tools and External Links

This website may contain links to external platforms, including trusted third-party scheduling tools like Zocdoc. These services have their own privacy policies and terms of use. We encourage you to read their terms independently before sharing your information. While Dr. Vanderhorst takes every precaution to recommend secure and reputable platforms, she is not responsible for the policies or practices of external websites.

7. Limitation of Liability

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date content, Dr. Vanderhorst makes no representations or warranties about the completeness or reliability of the information on this site. Your use of this website is at your own risk. Under no circumstances shall Dr. Vanderhorst be liable for any direct, indirect, or incidental damages resulting from the use or inability to use the information provided.

8. Accessibility and Technical Requirements

To access virtual therapy services, you must have a stable internet connection and access to a private, secure space for video sessions. The website and services are best viewed on updated browsers and devices. If you require accessibility accommodations, please reach out by email to discuss potential solutions prior to scheduling.

9. Updates to These Terms

These Terms and Conditions may be updated periodically to reflect changes in law, clinical standards, or technology. All updates will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of the site after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

10. Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns about these Terms and Conditions, please reach out to Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst directly at gkvanderhorst@gmail.com or via secure fax at 📠 (202) 204-5659. Your feedback and questions are welcome. Thank you for taking the time to read these Terms and Conditions. We believe that transparency and clear communication form the foundation of any effective therapeutic relationship, and we look forward to supporting your mental health journey with compassion, confidentiality, and professional integrity.