Q.

We are thinking about putting some sort of a disclaimer on our website. We were contacted through our website via a suicide note. The client was admitted to a program but we are concerned that the intent of the website is only to list the available services. We currently have a separate section on the site "Contact Us" with a mailing address and administrative telephone numbers.
 

A.

Your idea of a disclaimer is a good one. Disclaimers specifically define the purpose of the communication and clarify the intent of the writer.  In fact, this letter and the Mental Health Risk Retention Group web site contain disclaimers.

The disclaimer can be inserted in your web site in the "Contact Us" section. First, however, I suggest that the section be retitled, "How to contact us."  This makes it clearer that your patients should not attempt to contact you directly through the use of the web site and that the web site will provide directions on how to contact you.

The disclaimer could be something like the following:

                                               NOTICE
If you have any type of emergency, call 911. If you have suicidal thoughts or thoughts of hurting someone else, call our emergency number ________. You should not use this web site as a means to communicate to anybody at (center name). We cannot respond through the web site.  For questions or other matters you may contact us at the following telephone numbers and addresses:

This is just meant as a discussion point, and you should individualize the language to meet your unique circumstances.  The disclaimer should be in large type and a distinctive color.