Confidentiality & Privacy Policy
The law protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission. I take your right to privacy very seriously as it is an important factor in our work together, which is why we will spend time reviewing the privacy policies and rules for confidentiality at the outset of treatment. I do feel that it is important for you to know there are some exceptions to privacy in psychotherapy. The key exceptions related to your safety and the safety of children and dependent adults are listed below. I invite you discuss any questions you may have about these exceptions at any point during our work together.
Exceptions include:
- Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse, for which 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 ensuring 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.