Contents of all therapy sessions are considered to be confidential. Both verbal information 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 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
If a client states or suggests that he or she is abusing a child (or vulnerable adult) or has recently 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.
Court Order/Subpoena
In the event that I receive a court-order or subpoena that has been mandated by a judge, I may be required to disclose part your private medical record.
Cancellations
It's important to understand what my cancellation policies are when you begin treatment with me. With the exceptions of true emergencies, I require at least 24 hours notice from clients when canceling a session. Sessions that are forgotten, missed, or cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will still be charged the full fee for that missed appointment.
I value your time, my time, and the time of my other clients. Regularly attending your therapy appointments not only results in more successful outcomes in therapy, but it builds consistency, trust, and good momentum. If you find yourself frequently needing to cancel appointments, let's have a conversation about that so we can come up with a therapy plan that will work best for you.