LIMITS OF CONFIDENTIALITY
Contents of all therapy sessions are considered to be confidential. Both verbal and nonverbal information gained from communication with clients, and written records about a client cannot be shared with another party without the written consent of the client or the client’s legal guardian. Noted exceptions are as follows:
Duty to Warn and Protect
- When a client discloses intentions or a plan to harm themselves or another person, the mental health professional is required to warn the intended victim and report this information to legal authorities. In cases in which the client discloses or implies a plan for suicide, the health care professional is required to notify legal authorities and make reasonable attempts to notify the family of the client.
Abuse of Children and Vulnerable Adults (elderly or disabled)
If a client reports he or she is abusing a child (or vulnerable adult) or has abused a child (or vulnerable adult), or a child (or vulnerable adult) is in danger of abuse, the mental health professional is required to report this information to the appropriate social service and/or legal authorities.
Minors/Guardianship
Parents or legal guardians of non-emancipated minor clients have the right to access the clients’ records when the child is under the age of thirteen (13) or the child signs a release form authorizing the therapist to talk with parents or others.
Insurance Providers (when applicable)
Insurance companies and other third-party payers are given information that they request or may need regarding services to clients. Information that may be requested includes type of services, dates/times of services, diagnosis, treatment plan, and description of impairment, progress of therapy, case notes, summaries as well as billing information.
Legal/Judicial
Judges may request information when applicable to proceedings they are overseeing and that information must be given.
Collegial
In collaboration with colleagues as a means to ensure therapeutic effectiveness and efficiency as well as to increase knowledge and experience in the therapeutic community I may share information regarding a client’s case. This serves to ensure the client is receiving the absolute best therapeutic services possible.
Billing/Collections
Billing and/or Collection agents/agencies may contact clients or others when in the act of billing and/or collecting of fees for services billed and/or rendered.
Click HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices for more information.
