BIBLICAL CARE
Biblical Care Disclaimer & Scope
The scope, limits, confidentiality expectations, safety guidance, and professional-care boundaries for Foundation biblical care.
Biblical care is ministry care, not crisis response or licensed clinical treatment. Please read this page before requesting care.
1. Purpose of biblical care
The Whitby Foundation offers Christ-centered biblical care, discipleship, prayer, practical wisdom, and relational support. Care may include listening, Scripture, prayer, self-examination, discussion, practical assignments, encouragement, accountability, church involvement, and referral.
2. Not licensed professional treatment
Unless a particular provider is separately qualified and explicitly acting in that professional capacity, Foundation biblical care is not psychotherapy, psychiatric treatment, medical care, legal advice, financial advice, or another licensed professional service. Requesting care does not create a therapist-client, physician-patient, attorney-client, or similar licensed professional relationship.
3. Emergencies and crisis
If you or another person is in immediate danger, call 911. If you are experiencing a suicide or mental-health crisis in the United States, call or text 988. The Whitby Foundation does not provide 24-hour monitoring, emergency response, or crisis intervention.
4. Abuse, violence, and child safety
Violence, threats, stalking, coercive control, sexual assault, child endangerment, or suspected abuse should not be treated as ordinary marital conflict. Seek immediate safety and appropriate emergency, legal, protective, medical, church, or professional help as circumstances require.
5. Confidentiality has limits
We seek to handle personal information with discretion, but confidentiality is not absolute. Information may need to be shared when there is a serious safety concern, suspected abuse or neglect, a legal obligation, necessary ministry supervision/consultation, or a referral to appropriate help. Specific duties can depend on facts and applicable law.
6. No promise of outcome or availability
Care is subject to volunteer/staff availability, ministry scope, and appropriateness of fit. The Foundation may decline a request, pause care, recommend a local church or qualified professional, or end care when continued ministry is not appropriate. No particular outcome is guaranteed.
7. Care involving minors
A parent or legal guardian should generally initiate a request involving a minor. The Foundation may require additional consent or determine that another provider or organization is more appropriate.
8. Relationship to the local church
We believe ongoing Christian community matters. When appropriate, we may encourage you to involve a healthy local church, pastor, or other trusted Christian support. Collaboration will ordinarily occur with your permission, subject to safety and legal limitations.
9. Electronic communication
Ordinary email is not the right place for extensive sensitive records. In an initial request, provide only basic contact information and a brief description of the type of care you are seeking. Do not email Social Security numbers, account credentials, medical records, or emergency information.
10. Agreement to scope
By requesting or participating in Foundation biblical care, you acknowledge that you understand this ministry scope and that you remain responsible for seeking emergency or licensed professional help when needed.
11. Contact
Questions about the scope of biblical care may be sent to info@whitbyfoundation.org.