Nothing and nobody is perfect. And that’s true of the client/therapist relationship when it comes to maintaining the confidentiality of our work together. The Rule is — I will disclose nothing without your consent. That’s easy. But then there are many important exceptions that may arise.

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LIMITS IMPOSED INVOLUNTARILY

 

There are some disclosures I may make in my own judgment without further consent from you. If I believe you are a danger to yourself or others, I will call appropriate authorities, known friends and/or family members. I will warn people if I believe they are in grave danger. This includes physical violence as well as things like transmitting dangerous diseases such as HIV/AIDS. I may disclose information to parents or guardians of patients who are under 18.

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Dual relationships or conflicts of interest may also occur.  We may discover, for example, that we both know another person, who might be a friend or acquaintance, or a former or current client. We may even have to stop meeting if that happens.

 

Contracts with third parties. For example, your insurance company or someone else paying for these services may have access to my records for audits and quality assurance. At minimum, an insurance company, referring employer or lawyer will know that we are meeting.

 

Record keeping. I maintain treatment and business records, including correspondence and billing data, in electronic (“digital”) format rather than paper whenever possible. I take reasonable precautions to ensure that all information is stored, transmitted and backed up securely. No unauthorized persons have access to my paper or digital records. However, I do not guarantee or indemnify against loss or disclosure of information caused by physical or identity theft, damage to equipment or storage systems, or other events beyond my control.

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LIMITS IMPOSED BY LAW

 

I have a legal duty to report known or suspected abuse of children and elders.

 

Parents generally have access to a minor child’s treatment records, except for drug and alcohol treatment services.

 

Legal proceedings started by you or others may grant access to my records, such as: when your mental health or injuries become a legal issue; custody/visitation disputes; child or elder abuse cases; workers compensation or other workplace/employment issues.

 

Involuntary commitment proceedings (hospitalization) means disclosure.

 

POSSIBLE RE-DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION

 

If you are required by someone such as a court, Department of Human Services, Probation or Parole Officer, Child Protective Services, Social Security, state welfare, or similar agency to attend assessment or therapy sessions, or if someone else is paying your bill, you agree that I may report to them about your attendance and progress in treatment.