*The law protects the relationship between the client and a psychotherapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission.
Parents & Minors:
While privacy in therapy is crucial to successful progress, parental involvement can also be essential. For children 15 and younger, I request an agreement between the patient and the parents allowing me to share general information about treatment progress and attendance, as well as a treatment summary upon completion of therapy. All safety concerns will be immediately disclosed to the guardian.
Couple Counseling:
While working as a couple, anything that is said, individually, whether by phone or in an individual session, will be held confidential and will not be shared with the spouse/partner without individual consent, unless there is a safety concern.
Exceptions to Confidentiality Include:
- Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse, for which we are required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a patient is threatening serious harm to another person/s, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
- If a client intends to harm himself or herself, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, I will take further measures without their permission that are provided to me by law in order to ensure their safety.