If text messaging
By texting STEWARD OF MENTAL WEALTH at 323-843-2609, you agree to receive customer care messages from STEWARD OF MENTAL WEALTH. Reply STOP to opt-out; Reply HELP for support; Message & data rates may apply; Messaging frequency may vary. Visit https://www.stewardofmentalwealth.com/privacy-policy to see our privacy policy and https://www.stewardofmentalwealth.com/privacy-policy for our Terms of Service.
Communication and Telehealth Policy
Effective Date: October 26, 2025
Practice Information:
John M. Stewart, M.D., Ph.D.
Steward of Mental Wealth
2730 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 325, Santa Monica, CA 90403
Office: (323) 843-2609 | Fax: (323) 499-4165 | Email: stewardofmentalwealth@gmail.com
This policy describes appropriate use of phone, email, text, video, and other electronic communication between patients and Steward of Mental Wealth. It balances accessibility with confidentiality, professionalism, and compliance with HIPAA and California law.
1. Scope of Policy
This policy applies to all communication outside of scheduled in-person or telepsychiatry sessions, including:
Telephone calls and voicemail messages
Email and text messages
Patient portal messaging
Video conferencing (e.g., Doxy.me, Zoom for Healthcare)
Electronic document transmission
2. Email and Text Communication
Email and text messaging are to be used only for administrative purposes such as scheduling, billing, or logistical updates.
These methods are not HIPAA-secure, and patients accept inherent privacy risks when using them.
Clinical concerns, symptoms, or emergencies must never be discussed via email or text.
Messages received after 5:00 PM, on weekends, or on holidays will be reviewed the next business day.
Clinically relevant written communications may be added to the medical record when appropriate.
For text messaging see the next several lines
For Text Messaging frequency may vary.
Message and data rates may apply.
To opt out at any time, text STOP.
For assistance, text HELP or visit our website at https://www.stewardofmentalwealth.com/.
Visit https://www.stewardofmentalwealth.com/privacy-policy for privacy policy and https://www.stewardofmentalwealth.com/privacy-policy for Terms of Service
3. Phone Communication (preferred for urgent items)
The office voicemail at (323) 843-2609 is monitored during business hours only.
Messages left after hours will be returned on the next business day.
Calls are not monitored 24/7. If you are in crisis or feel unsafe, call 911 or 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or go to the nearest emergency department.
When leaving a voicemail, please include your full name, date of birth, reason for the call, and callback number. Form C Steward of Mental Wealth John M. Stewart, M.D., Ph.D. 2730 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 325 Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry Santa Monica, CA 90403 & Neurology in General Psychiatry Office: (323) 843-2609 License # A192470 Fax: (323) 499-4165 Email: stewardofmentalwealth@gmail.com
4. Telepsychiatry and Video Sessions
Sessions may be conducted via HIPAA-compliant telepsychiatry platforms such as Doxy.me or Zoom for Healthcare.
Patients are responsible for ensuring a private, quiet, and distraction-free environment during sessions.
Recording of sessions is strictly prohibited without prior written consent from both patient and provider.
Dr. Stewart takes reasonable measures to ensure confidentiality but cannot guarantee complete security of electronic transmissions.
5. Social Media and Online Boundaries
Dr. Stewart does not accept friend requests, follows, comments, or direct messages on any personal or professional social media accounts.
Posting reviews or public comments about treatment is discouraged as it may compromise confidentiality and therapeutic integrity.
Clinical contact should occur only through official practice communication channels listed in this policy.
6. Patient Responsibilities
Patients agree to:
Use electronic communication only for non-clinical, logistical purposes.
Refrain from sending time-sensitive or urgent messages via email or text.
Maintain password-protected, secure devices when communicating electronically.
Notify Dr. Stewart promptly of any change in contact information (email, phone, or address). Steward of Mental Wealth John M. Stewart, M.D., Ph.D. 2730 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 325 Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry Santa Monica, CA 90403 & Neurology in General Psychiatry Office: (323) 843-2609 License # A192470 Fax: (323) 499-4165 Email: stewardofmentalwealth@gmail.com
7. Provider Responsibilities
Dr. Stewart agrees to:
Use encrypted and password-protected devices for all electronic correspondence.
Limit disclosure of protected information through non-secure channels unless explicitly authorized by the patient in writing.
Notify patients of any known or suspected data breach in compliance with HIPAA and California law.
8. Emergencies
Dr. Stewart is not available 24 hours a day.
For immediate or life-threatening situations, contact 911 or 988, or go to your nearest emergency department.
If you leave a voicemail or email during a crisis, understand that it may not be reviewed until the next business day.
9. Acknowledgment
I have read and understood this Communication & Technology Policy. I understand that electronic communication carries inherent privacy risks and agree to use these methods only for administrative or logistical matters. I consent to communicate electronically with Dr. Stewart.