Generations 1865: Counseling, Consulting, and Coaching Inc
Practice Policies
APPOINTMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS:
Payment for all appointments must be made 24 hours in advance unless special arrangements are made with the Chief Executive or Program Manager.
Please remember to cancel or reschedule 24 hours in advance. You will be responsible for the entire fee if cancellation is less than 24 hours and if we cannot reschedule within the same week. No show for appointment is the amount of the session fee. When insurance is involved, the client will pay the full fee as this may not be covered by insurance.
The standard meeting time for psychotherapy is Individual (45-50 minutes) and Couples/Family (85-90 minutes), which includes time to set up the next appointment. It is up to you, however, to determine the length of time of your sessions. Requests to change the session length needs to be discussed with the therapist in order for time to be scheduled in advance.
A $50.00 service charge will be charged for any checks returned for any reason for special handling.
Cancellations and re-scheduled session will be subject to a full charge if NOT RECEIVED AT LEAST 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE. This is necessary because a time commitment is made to you and is held exclusively for you. If you are late for a session, you may lose some of that session time.
TELEPHONE/TEXT MESSAGING ACCESSIBILITY: If you need to contact me between sessions, please leave a message on my voice mail or send text message. I am often not immediately available; however, I will attempt to return your call within 24 hours. Please note that face-to-face sessions are highly preferable to phone sessions. However, in the event that you are out of town, sick or need additional support, phone sessions may be available. If a true emergency situation arises, please call 911 or any local emergency room.
SOCIAL MEDIA AND TELECOMMUNICATION Due to the importance of your confidentiality and the importance of minimizing dual relationships, I do not accept friend or contact requests from current or former clients on any social networking site (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.). I believe that adding clients as friends or contacts on these sites can compromise your confidentiality and our respective privacy. It may also blur the boundaries of our therapeutic relationship. You are welcome to visit the company website or “like or share” the Facebook page.
If you have questions about this, please bring them up when we meet and we can talk more about it.
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION
I cannot ensure the confidentiality of any form of communication through electronic media, including text messages. If you prefer to communicate via email or text messaging for issues regarding scheduling or cancellations, I will do so. While I may try to return messages in a timely manner, I cannot guarantee immediate response and request that you do not use these methods of communication to discuss therapeutic content and/or request assistance for emergencies.
Services by electronic means, including but not limited to telephone communication, the Internet, facsimile machines, and e-mail is considered telemedicine by the State of California. Under the California Telemedicine Act of 1996, telemedicine is broadly defined as the use of information technology to deliver medical services and information from one location to another. If you and your therapist chose to use information technology for some or all of your treatment, you need to understand that: (1) You retain the option to withhold or withdraw consent at any time without affecting the right to future care or treatment or risking the loss or withdrawal of any program benefits to which you would otherwise be entitled. (2) All existing confidentiality protections are equally applicable. (3) Your access to all medical information transmitted during a telemedicine consultation is guaranteed, and copies of this information are available for a reasonable fee. (4) Dissemination of any of your identifiable images or information from the telemedicine interaction to researchers or other entities shall not occur without your consent. (5) There are potential risks, consequences, and benefits of telemedicine. Potential benefits include, but are not limited to improved communication capabilities, providing convenient access to up-to-date information, consultations, support, reduced costs, improved quality, change in the conditions of practice, improved access to therapy, better continuity of care, and reduction of lost work time and travel costs.
Effective therapy is often facilitated when the therapist gathers within a session or a series of sessions, a multitude of observations, information, and experiences about the client. Therapists may make clinical assessments, diagnosis, and interventions based not only on direct verbal or auditory communications, written reports, and third person consultations, but also from direct visual and olfactory observations, information, and experiences. When using information technology in therapy services, potential risks include, but are not limited to the therapist's inability to make visual and olfactory observations of clinically or therapeutically potentially relevant issues such as: your physical condition including deformities, apparent height and weight, body type, attractiveness relative to social and cultural norms or standards, gait and motor coordination, posture, work speed, any noteworthy mannerism or gestures, physical or medical conditions including bruises or injuries, basic grooming and hygiene including appropriateness of dress, eye contact (including any changes in the previously listed issues), sex, chronological and apparent age, ethnicity, facial and body language, and congruence of language and facial or bodily expression. Potential consequences thus include the therapist not being aware of what he, she, or they would consider important information that you may not recognize as significant to present verbally the therapist.
MINORS
If you are a minor, your parents may be legally entitled to some information about your therapy. I will discuss with you and your parent(s) what information is appropriate for them to receive and which issues are more appropriately kept confidential.
TERMINATION
Ending relationships can be difficult. Therefore, it is important to have a termination process in order to achieve some closure. The appropriate length of the termination depends on the length and intensity of the treatment. I may terminate treatment after appropriate discussion with you and a termination process if I determine that the psychotherapy is not being effectively used or if you are in default on payment. I will not terminate the therapeutic relationship without first discussing and exploring the reasons and purpose of terminating. If therapy is terminated for any reason or you request another therapist, I will provide you with a list of qualified psychotherapists to treat you. You may also choose someone on your own or from another referral source.
Should you fail to schedule an appointment for three consecutive weeks, unless other arrangements have been made in advance, for legal and ethical reasons, I must consider the professional relationship discontinued.
Generations 1865: Counseling, Consulting, and Coaching Inc
NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES
THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW HEALTH INFORMATION MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.
I. GENERATIONS 1865’S PLEDGE REGARDING
HEALTH INFORMATION:
Generations 1865: Counseling, Consulting, and Coaching, its Chief Executive, and associate licensed staff understand that health information about you and your health care is personal. We am committed to protecting health information about you. I create a record of the care and services you receive from me. We need this record to provide you with quality care and to comply with certain legal requirements. This notice applies to all of the records of your care generated by this mental health care practice. This notice will tell you about the ways in which may use and disclose health information about you. I also describe your rights to the health information the agency or representative keep about you and describe certain obligations the agency or representative have regarding the use and disclosure of your health information. The agency or representative am required by law to:
- Make sure that protected health information (“PHI”) that identifies you is kept private.
- Give you this notice of my legal duties and privacy practices with respect to health information.
- Follow the terms of the notice that is currently in effect.
The agency or representative can change the terms of this Notice, and such changes will apply to all information I have about you. The new Notice will be available upon request, in my office, and on my website.
II. HOW THE AGENCY OR ITS REPRESENTATIVES MAY USE AND DISCLOSE HEALTH INFORMATION ABOUT YOU:
The following categories describe different ways that may use and disclose health information. For each category of uses or disclosures I will explain what
Generations 1865: Counseling, Consulting, and Coaching, its Chief Executive, and associate licensed staff mean and try to give some examples. Not every use or disclosure in a category will be listed. However, all of the ways I am permitted to use and disclose information will fall within one of the categories.
For Treatment Payment, or Health Care Operations: Federal privacy rules (regulations) allow health care providers who have direct treatment relationship with the patient/client to use or disclose the patient/client’s personal health information without the patient’s written authorization, to carry out the health care provider’s own treatment, payment or health care operations. I may also disclose your protected health information for the treatment activities of any health care provider. This too can be done without your written authorization. For example, if a clinician were to consult with another licensed health care provider about your condition, we would be permitted to use and disclose your personal health information, which is otherwise confidential, in order to assist the clinician in diagnosis and treatment of your mental health condition.
Disclosures for treatment purposes are not limited to the minimum necessary standard. Because therapists and other health care providers need access to the full record and/or full and complete information in order to provide quality care. The word “treatment” includes, among other things, the coordination and management of health care providers with a third party, consultations between health care providers and referrals of a patient for health care from one health care provider to another.
Lawsuits and Disputes: If you are involved in a lawsuit, I may disclose health information in response to a court or administrative order. I may also disclose health information about your child in response to a subpoena, discovery request, or other lawful process by someone else involved in the dispute, but only if efforts have been made to tell you about the request or to obtain an order protecting the information requested.
III. CERTAIN USES AND DISCLOSURES REQUIRE YOUR AUTHORIZATION:
Psychotherapy Notes. Generations 1865: Counseling, Consulting, and Coaching, its Chief Executive, and associate licensed staff do keep “psychotherapy notes” as that term is defined in 45 CFR § 164.501, and any use or disclosure of such notes requires your Authorization unless the use or disclosure is:
a. For my use in treating you.
b. For my use in training or supervising mental health practitioners to help them improve their skills in group, joint, family, or individual counseling or therapy.
c. For my use in defending myself in legal proceedings instituted by you.
d. For use by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to investigate my compliance with HIPAA.
e. Required by law and the use or disclosure is limited to the requirements of such law.
f. Required by law for certain health oversight activities pertaining to the originator of the psychotherapy notes.
g. Required by a coroner who is performing duties authorized by law.
h. Required to help avert a serious threat to the health and safety of others.
Marketing Purposes. As a psychotherapist, Generations 1865: Counseling, Consulting, and Coaching, its Chief Executive, and associate licensed staff will not use or disclose your PHI for marketing purposes.
Sale of PHI. As a psychotherapist, Generations 1865: Counseling, Consulting, and Coaching, its Chief Executive, and associate licensed staff will not sell your PHI in the regular course of my business.
IV. CERTAIN USES AND DISCLOSURES DO NOT REQUIRE YOUR AUTHORIZATION.
Subject to certain limitations in the law, Generations 1865: Counseling, Consulting, and Coaching, its Chief Executive, and associate licensed staff can use and disclose your PHI without your Authorization for the following reasons:
When disclosure is required by state or federal law, and the use or disclosure complies with and is limited to the relevant requirements of such law.
For public health activities, including reporting suspected child, elder, or dependent adult abuse, or preventing or reducing a serious threat to anyone’s health or safety.
For health oversight activities, including audits and investigations.
For judicial and administrative proceedings, including responding to a court or administrative order, although my preference is to obtain an Authorization from you before doing so.
For law enforcement purposes, including reporting crimes occurring on my premises.
To coroners or medical examiners, when such individuals are performing duties authorized by law.
For research purposes, including studying and comparing the mental health of patients who received one form of therapy versus those who received another form of therapy for the same condition.
Specialized government functions, including, ensuring the proper execution of military missions; protecting the President of the United States; conducting intelligence or counter-intelligence operations; or, helping to ensure the safety of those working within or housed in correctional institutions.
For workers’ compensation purposes. Although Generations 1865: Counseling, Consulting, and Coaching, its Chief Executive, and associate licensed staff preference is to obtain an Authorization from you, we may provide your PHI in order to comply with workers’ compensation laws.
Appointment reminders and health related benefits or services. Generations 1865: Counseling, Consulting, and Coaching, its Chief Executive, and associate licensed staff may use and disclose your PHI to contact you to remind you that you have an appointment with me. Generations 1865: Counseling, Consulting, and Coaching, its Chief Executive, and associate licensed staff may also use and disclose your PHI to tell you about treatment alternatives, or other health care services or benefits that I offer.
V. CERTAIN USES AND DISCLOSURES REQUIRE YOU TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO OBJECT.
Disclosures to family, friends, or others. Generations 1865: Counseling, Consulting, and Coaching, its Chief Executive, and associate licensed staff may provide your PHI to a family member, friend, or other person that you indicate is involved in your care or the payment for your health care, unless you object in whole or in part. The opportunity to consent may be obtained retroactively in emergency situations.
VI. YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING RIGHTS WITH RESPECT TO YOUR PHI:
The Right to Request Limits on Uses and Disclosures of Your PHI. You have the right to ask me not to use or disclose certain PHI for treatment, payment, or health care operations purposes. Generations 1865: Counseling, Consulting, and Coaching, its Chief Executive, and associate licensed staff am not required to agree to your request, and I may say “no” if I believe it would affect your health care.
The Right to Request Restrictions for Out-of-Pocket Expenses Paid for In Full. You have the right to request restrictions on disclosures of your PHI to health plans for payment or health care operations purposes if the PHI pertains solely to a health care item or a health care service that you have paid for out-of-pocket in full.
The Right to Choose How Generations 1865: Counseling, Consulting, and Coaching, its Chief Executive, and associate licensed staff Send PHI to You. You have the right to ask me to contact you in a specific way (for example, home or office phone) or to send mail to a different address, and I will agree to all reasonable requests.
The Right to See and Get Copies of Your PHI. Other than “psychotherapy notes,” you have the right to get an electronic or paper copy of your medical record and other information that I have about you. I will provide you with a copy of your record, or a summary of it, if you agree to receive a summary, within 30 days of receiving your written request, and I may charge a reasonable, cost based fee for doing so.
The Right to Get a List of the Disclosures I Have Made. You have the right to request a list of instances in which I have disclosed your PHI for purposes other than treatment, payment, or health care operations, or for which you provided me with an Authorization. I will respond to your request for an accounting of disclosures within 60 days of receiving your request. The list Generations 1865: Counseling, Consulting, and Coaching, its Chief Executive, and associate licensed staff will give you will include disclosures made in the last six years unless you request a shorter time. Generations 1865: Counseling, Consulting, and Coaching, its Chief Executive, and associate licensed staff will provide the list to you at no charge, but if you make more than one request in the same year, I will charge you a reasonable cost-based fee for each additional request.
The Right to Correct or Update Your PHI. If you believe that there is a mistake in your PHI, or that a piece of important information is missing from your PHI, you have the right to request that I correct the existing information or add the missing information. Generations 1865: Counseling, Consulting, and Coaching, its Chief Executive, and associate licensed staff may say “no” to your request, but Generations 1865: Counseling, Consulting, and Coaching, its Chief Executive, and associate licensed staff will tell you why in writing within 60 days of receiving your request.
The Right to Get a Paper or Electronic Copy of this Notice. You have the right get a paper copy of this Notice, and you have the right to get a copy of this notice by e-mail. And, even if you have agreed to receive this Notice via e-mail, you also have the right to request a paper copy of it.
Acknowledgement of Receipt of Privacy Notice
Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), you have certain rights regarding the use and disclosure of your protected health information. By checking the box below, you are acknowledging that you have received a copy of HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices.
Confidentiality & Privacy Policy
The law protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission.
Exceptions include:
- Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse, for which I am required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
- If a client intends to harm himself or herself, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, I will take further measures without their permission that are provided to me by law in order to ensure their safety.
COUNSELING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY SERVICES For the purposes of this document, “therapy,” “counseling,” and “psychotherapy” are considered to be equivalent terms. Counseling is a relationship between people that works in part because of clearly defined rights and responsibilities held by each person. The American Counseling Association defines “counseling” as a “professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals.” During the process of therapy or counseling treatment plan, please be aware that this process can bring up uncomfortable feelings and reactions. The range of human emotions is normalized as part of this process, which may include, but not limited to sadness, anger, rage, anxiety, joy, enlightened. This process is a normal response to working through the unresolved life experiences and the licensed clinician is going to work with me to process the emotions, thoughts, and feelings. The process of healing can expect that this treatment will be successful, however as the client, you must fully understand that there are many factors beyond our control, such benefits and desired outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Your commitment to the agreed upon treatment plan is necessary for you to experience the most successful outcomes. Please note that the success of counseling depends, in large part upon the willingness of the client to desire change, share thoughts and feelings honestly, explore behavioral patterns and relational dynamics, and to experiment with alternative ways of perceiving and interacting with others. Initially, as a result of this explanation, it may feel as though “things are getting worse instead of getting better.” Keep in mind that even though this may be uncomfortable, these feelings are usually temporary and reflect a sign of progress. RISK AND BENEFITS Counseling has both benefits and risks. Risks may include experiencing uncomfortable feelings, such as sadness, guilt, anxiety, anger, frustration, loneliness and helplessness, because, the process of counseling often requires discussing the unpleasant aspects of your life. However, counseling has been shown to have benefits for individuals who undertake it. Counseling often leads to a significant reduction in feelings of distress, increased satisfaction in interpersonal relationships, greater personal awareness and insight, increased skills for managing stress and resolutions to specific problems. But, there are not guarantees about what will happen. Counseling requires a very active effort on your part. In order to be most successful, you will have to work on things we discuss outside of sessions. We implore many therapeutic treatment models to include, but not limited to the following: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) Christian Counselling Positive Psychology Trauma Therapy Attachment Grief NOTE: CLINICAL THERAPY CAN ONLY BE PROVIDED BY A LICENSED CLINICIAN IN THE CURRENT STATE OF WHICH THE CLIENT RESIDES.
COACHING SERVICES Coaching is partnership (defined as an alliance, not a legal business partnership) between the Coach and the Client in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires the client to maximize personal and professional potential. It is designed to facilitate the creation/development of personal, professional or business goals and to develop and carry out a strategy/plan for achieving those goals. Career or Personal Life Coaching is available at KINGDOM JOURNEY TO HEALING.
TELEHEALTH (a) All persons engaging in the practice of marriage and family therapy, educational psychology, clinical social work, or professional clinical counseling via telehealth, as defined in Section 2290.5 of the Code, with a client who is physically located in this State must have a valid and current license or registration issued by the Board. (b) All psychotherapy services offered by board licensees and registrants via telehealth fall within the jurisdiction of the board just as traditional face-to-face services do. Therefore, all psychotherapy services offered via telehealth are subject to the board's statutes and regulations. (c) Upon initiation of telehealth services, a licensee or registrant shall do the following: (1) Obtain informed consent from the client consistent with Section 2290.5 of the Code. (2) Inform the client of the potential risks and limitations of receiving treatment via telehealth. (3) Provide the client with his or her license or registration number and the type of license or registration. (4) Document reasonable efforts made to ascertain the contact information of relevant resources, including emergency services, in the patient's geographic area. (d) Each time a licensee or registrant provides services via telehealth, he or she shall do the following: (1) Verbally obtain from the client and document the client's full name and address of present location, at the beginning of each telehealth session. (2) Assess whether the client is appropriate for telehealth, including, but not limited to, consideration of the client's psychosocial situation. (3) Utilize industry best practices for telehealth to ensure both client confidentiality and the security of the communication medium. (e) A licensee or registrant of this state may provide telehealth services to clients located in another jurisdiction only if the California licensee or registrant meets the requirements to lawfully provide services in that jurisdiction, and delivery of services via telehealth is allowed by that jurisdiction. (f) Failure to comply with these provisions shall be considered unprofessional conduct. Note: Authority cited: Sections 4980.60 and 4990.20, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 2290.5, 4980, 4989.50, 4996, 4999.30 and 4999.82, Business and Professions Code.
CHRISTIAN COUNSELING Christian counseling, also known as biblical counseling and Christian psychology, combines your faith with the principles of psychology to improve your mental health and relationships. More specifically, this therapy approach uses scripture and biblical teachings to help you deal with life’s challenges. "I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought." 1 Corinthians 1:10 Statement of Faith KINGDOM JOURNEY TO HEALING believes that spirituality is part of your healing journey and at the center of your healing process. We believe this will lead to the most successful counseling sessions, and any further details around theological leanings needn't be pressed. In order to reach common ground on what we believe are the most fundamental truths, all counseling members of our platform have agreed to the following core tenets of faith: We believe that the Holy Bible is the word of God, a collection of divinely-inspired writings that have been preserved for each generation, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and the only authoritative and infallible rule of Christian faith and practice. ("All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV) We believe in the Triune nature of God (Trinitarianism), that He is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in one. ("Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20 ESV) We believe the only true basis of Christian fellowship is Christ's (agape) love, which is greater than differences one may possess, and without which we have no right to claim ourselves Christians. ("Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6 ESV) We believe salvation is by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ who died for our sins and rose again, providing eternal redemption to those who believe. It is not by our works or works of the law. ("For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV) I have chosen to participate in Christian Counseling alongside other therapeutic services as part of my treatment plan. By signing this form, I am attesting to choosing to use biblical references, pray, and participate in spiritual healing practices that are fundamental to the faith as a Christian. This is not denomination specific, and may include discussions for Catholics, Jehovah Witness, Protestant, Baptist, etc which share some of the same fundamental beliefs. I continue to have my right to change my mind at any time.
DEFINITION OF TERMS Throughout this document, the terms “therapist,” “therapy,” and “client” will be used. “Therapist” refers to anyone who is licensed to practice psychotherapy, or is training to become licensed, and includes: • Physicians and Surgeons (Psychiatrists are Physicians and Surgeons) • Psychologists • Registered Psychologists • Psychological Interns • Psychological Assistants • Licensed Clinical Social Workers • Registered Associate Clinical Social Workers • Social Work Interns • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists • Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapists • Marriage and Family Therapist Trainees • Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors • Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselors • Professional Clinical Counselor Trainees • Licensed Educational Psychologists • Registered Research Psychoanalysts “Therapy” includes any type of counseling from any of the licensed or registered professionals listed above. “Client” refers to anyone receiving therapy, or counseling, or other services. “Sexual contact” means the touching of an intimate part of another person, including sexual intercourse. “Sexual behavior” means inappropriate contact or communication of a sexual nature. This definition does not include the provision of appropriate therapeutic interventions relating to sexual issues. “Touching” means physical contact with another person either through the person’s clothes or directly with the person’s skin. “Intimate part” means the sexual organ, anus, groin, or buttocks of any person, and the breast of a female. “License” includes certificate, registration, or other means to engage in a business or profession regulated by Chapter 1, General Provisions, section 475 of the Business and Professions Code. 1Social Work Interns, Marriage and Family Therapist Trainees, and Professional Clinical Counselor Trainees are still in their master’s degree program and have not yet earned their graduate degree. They also are not registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences yet. Complaints about these individuals should be directed to their supervisor, the agency that employs them, or their academic institution “Telehealth” is the mode of delivering health care via information and communication technologies, including, but not limited to, telephone and/or internet. Licensees may deliver health care, under their scope of practice, via telehealth, under certain conditions. Licensees are responsible for understanding all applicable laws, to deliver health care via telehealth. Failure to comply with any provisions regarding telehealth may be subject to disciplinary action by the Board. KINGDOM JOURNEY TO HEALING, a program of Generations 1865-Counseling, Consulting, and Coaching, INC “Clinical Social Work And Psychotherapy (§4996.9.) is the practice of clinical social work is defined as a service in which a special knowledge of social resources, human capabilities, and the part that unconscious motivation plays in determining behavior, is directed at helping people to achieve more adequate, satisfying, and productive social adjustments. The application of social work principles and methods includes, but is not restricted to, counseling and using applied psychotherapy of a nonmedical nature with individuals, families, or groups; providing information and referral services; providing or arranging for the provision of social services; explaining or interpreting the psychosocial aspects in the situations of individuals, families, or groups; helping communities to organize, to provide, or to improve social or health services; or doing research related to social work. Psychotherapy, within the meaning of this chapter, is the use of psychosocial methods within a professional relationship, to assist the person or persons to achieve a better psychosocial adaptation, to acquire greater human realization of psychosocial potential and adaptation, to modify internal and external conditions which affect individuals, groups, or communities in respect to behavior, emotions, and thinking, in respect to their intrapersonal and interpersonal processes.