Ask Dr. Penny shares articles, videos, worksheets, and other resources to help people understand their emotional health. This disclaimer explains how that information is meant to be used, and where its limits are.
Mental health information, not treatment
Everything we publish, including articles, blog posts, videos, guides, worksheets, newsletters, and social media posts, is for general education and information. It is not medical or psychological advice, a diagnosis, or treatment, and it is not a substitute for care from a licensed professional who knows your history.
Please do not ignore professional advice, or delay getting it, because of something you read or watched here. If you have questions about your mental health, talk with a licensed mental health professional or your doctor.
Checklists and quizzes are not a diagnosis
Some of our resources include symptom lists, reflection questions, or self-check tools. They can help you notice patterns and put words to what you are feeling, but they cannot tell you whether you have a mental health condition. Only a qualified professional who has assessed you can make a diagnosis.
When a counseling relationship begins
Reading this website, watching our videos, subscribing to the newsletter, commenting, sending a message, or having a free 15-minute consult call does not create a counselor-client relationship. That relationship begins only after an appointment is confirmed and you have completed and signed our intake and informed consent documents.
Until then, we have not assessed your situation, so nothing we share can be tailored to you.
Medication and physical health
Counseling at our practice does not include prescribing medication. Please do not start, stop, or change any medication because of something on this website. Talk first with the doctor or psychiatric provider who prescribed it.
Some emotional symptoms, such as low energy, sleep changes, or anxiety, can have physical causes. It is always worth checking in with your physician as well.
Every path is different
Counseling can bring real relief and lasting change, but no counselor can promise a specific result or timeline. Progress depends on many things, including your circumstances, your goals, and the fit between you and Dr. Penny.
Client testimonials and stories on this website describe individual experiences. Names and details may be changed to protect privacy, and your experience may be different.
Faith-informed content
Some of our content draws on faith. It is offered for people who want it and is never a requirement for care. It is not a replacement for spiritual direction or pastoral care from your own faith community.
Accuracy and updates
Dr. Penny is a counseling psychologist with more than 30 years of experience, and we take care to share information that reflects current, responsible practice. Mental health research changes over time, though, and each article or video reflects our understanding when it was published. We cannot promise that every page is complete or up to date.
Outside links, guests, and resources
We sometimes link to books, organizations, videos, or websites we find helpful, and some videos may feature guest speakers. A link or guest appearance is not an endorsement of everything that person or website says, and we are not responsible for outside content.
If you need help right now
This website cannot help in an emergency. If you are in crisis or having thoughts of harming yourself or someone else, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) any time, day or night. For a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. Our Emergency Support Notice lists more 24/7 support lines.
Questions about this disclaimer?
We are happy to explain anything here. A real person reads every message.