Privacy & Confidentiality Policy

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is an essential part of any clinical relationship. All aspects of your participation in clinical services, including the scheduling of appointments, content of counseling sessions/evaluations, and any records that we keep, are confidential as outlined by federal and state law.

Communication between a clinician and a client or information about your treatment or evaluation may only be disclosed if: (a) you sign a Consent Form and/or our release of information form authorizing such disclosure for yourself or your child or (b) other infrequent circumstances as described below under "Limits of Confidentiality."

Clients are encouraged to address any questions or concerns about this important issue with us.  We operate within professional ethical guidelines and applicable federal and state laws that protect the privacy of your mental health records.

Limits of Confidentiality

If we believe that you are likely to harm yourself and/or another person, we are required to take action necessary to protect you or others by contacting the appropriate law enforcement and/or protective services agency.

• If we have cause to believe that a child is being, has been, or may be abused or neglected, we are required to make a report to the appropriate law enforcement and/or protective services agency.
• If we have cause to believe that an elderly or disabled person is being, has been, or may be abused, neglected, or subjected to financial exploitation, we are required to make a report to the appropriate law enforcement and/or protective services agency.
• If your records are requested by a valid subpoena or court order, we must respond.

HIPPA
www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/index.html

For more information, see the limits of  confidentiality policy

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