Confidentiality

Trust is critical to the therapeutic relationship. It is essential the client know that anything discussed will remain confidential unless the client has given written consent or the content of the material must be reported by law. Should a report need to be filed, the client will be told of that necessity and encouraged to cooperate with that process. Simply stated, reporting is required when someone needs to be protected from either their own or other’s actions and is mandated in the following situations:

A child is being abused physically, sexually, medically or emotionally;
An elder or dependent adult is being abused physically, sexually, medically, emotionally or financially;
The client is either harming someone or is threatening to harm someone or others.

This office will also act to protect a client who makes a clear suicidal threat.

Other conditions may also arise when confidential information may be revealed:

Court orders, reports or subpoenas;
An arbitrator or arbitration panel;
Insurance billing or requirements;
Records requested under the health and safety code;
Child or family therapy;
Guardianship: members promise to maintain confidentiality but, are not legally bound to do so;
A search warrant;
Coroner, when the patient is deceased and is the subject of an investigation;
Any other situation specifically required by law.

Any questions regarding confidentiality should be addressed at the first appointment but, are welcomed throughout the therapeutic relationship as concerns arise or the course of therapy changes.