The law protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission.
Exceptions include
- Suspected child, dependent adult, and/or elder abuse: I am required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily 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 insuring 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.
- It is important to note that if you are submitting an insurance claim, whether through a provider or you personally have submitted the claim, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed once the information is in the hands of the insurance provider. Insurance providers are able to provide submitted information, including diagnosis, to employers, insurance carriers and other parties. It is important to speak directly to your provider for details.