CONFIDENTIALITY & PRIVACY POLICY
Your privacy is of the utmost importance. The relationship between a client and a psychotherapist is protected by law, and all information shared in therapy is strictly confidential. This means that I cannot release any details about you or your treatment without your written consent. This confidentiality applies to all forms of communication, including in-person sessions, phone calls, emails, and Telehealth appointments.
There are, however, specific situations in which confidentiality may be legally or ethically broken. These exceptions are in place to ensure safety and comply with state and federal laws.
Exceptions to Confidentiality Include:
• Suspected Abuse: If I have reason to believe that a child, dependent adult, or elder is being abused, neglected, or exploited, I am legally required to report this information to the appropriate protective agencies immediately.
• Threats of Harm to Others: If a client makes a credible threat of serious harm to another person or group, I must notify law enforcement and take reasonable steps to warn the potential victim in order to prevent harm.
• Risk of Self-Harm: If a client is at serious risk of harming themselves, I will make every effort to work collaboratively to ensure their safety. If the client is unable or unwilling to take steps to keep themselves safe, I may need to take further protective actions without their consent as allowed by law.
• Court Orders: In rare cases, a judge may order the release of records. I will only provide the minimum information required and will inform the client whenever possible before responding.
• Medical Emergencies: If a client experiences a medical or psychological emergency during a session, limited information may be shared with emergency responders to ensure appropriate care.
Outside of these specific instances, all information you share remains private and protected. Your trust and privacy are essential to the therapeutic process, and every effort is made to maintain the highest ethical and professional standards of confidentiality. If you ever have questions or concerns about how your information is protected, I encourage you to ask at any time.