Confidentiality & Privacy Policy
Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and their therapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed outiside the therapeutic relationship. We will provide a written copy of our confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone without your written permission. This is called “Informed Consent”. Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (ie. your Physician, Psychiatrist, Guidance Counselor), and by law we cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.
However, state law and professional ethics require us to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:
* Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, dependent adults, and elders requires therapists to immediately report to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.
* If we have reason to suspect the client intends or is seriously in danger of harming themselves, we will make every effort to enlist the client's cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, we will take further measures without their permission that are provided to us by law in order to ensure their safety.
* If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/persons, we must notify the police and inform the intended victim/victims.