> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/responsible-practice-and-safety/mental-health-boundaries.md). # Mental Health Boundaries Clear boundaries between mindfulness education and mental-health care, including when professional assessment or treatment may be needed. The Holistic Care's mindfulness and wellbeing materials are educational resources. They do not diagnose mental-health conditions and are not replacements for psychotherapy, psychiatric care, medical advice, crisis support, or emergency services. Where symptoms are severe, persistent, worsening, or associated with risk, professional support should take priority. ## When mindfulness is not enough Mindfulness can be supportive, but it is not a universal treatment. Professional support may be appropriate when someone experiences: * severe or persistent anxiety * significant depression * self-harm or suicidal thoughts * psychosis or major disorientation * trauma symptoms that intensify with practice * major sleep disturbance * impairment in daily functioning In urgent or high-risk situations, use appropriate clinical or emergency support rather than relying on a guided practice. ## Related guidance * [Responsible Practice & Safety](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/responsible-practice-and-safety) * [Safeguarding Children](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/responsible-practice-and-safety/safeguarding-children) * [Privacy & Data](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/responsible-practice-and-safety/privacy-and-data) --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/responsible-practice-and-safety/mental-health-boundaries.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.