Confidentiality

Confidentiality is an aspect of the therapeutic relationship that most clients find comforting.  Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly personal and private information that is often not discussed anywhere but the therapist’s office. In general, the privacy of all communications between a client and a psychotherapist is protected by law, and we can only release information about our work to others with your written permission.

However, there are some exceptions:

• If I am working with a client who is actively suicidal or homicidal I am required to take steps toward the safety and protection of the client or the other person. To this end, I may need to contact a friend or family member to inform them of plans to self-harm and involve them in a plan for safety.  Other times, the therapist may need to facilitate hospitalization in order to keep a client safe.  In a situation where I am told of a client’s intent to harm another person, I am required to notify that person and/or authorities of the threat of harm.
• If a client tells me about a situation in which a minor or vulnerable adult population, such as elderly and/or disabled person, is or could be experiencing abuse, I am required to notify the appropriate state agency.
• If a client is involved in legal proceedings, information about their treatment may be requested. You have the right to refuse to consent to the release of confidential information, either through records or testimony, however a Court may order the information to be released.

In these situations, I will make every effort to discuss them with you prior to taking action.

For further information, please review my Notice of Privacy Practices.