Confidentiality Statement
Clients can expect that confidentiality and HIPAA regulations will be maintained. This means that the therapist will not disclose information regarding the content of therapy sessions or confirm or deny whether a client is receiving therapeutic services without a signed release of information. However, there are some limitations to this confidentiality. For example, the therapist is mandated by law to breach confidentiality in the following situations:
- The client poses a danger to himself or herself or to others or is gravely disabled — all of which require immediate psychiatric care (72-hour psychiatric hold).
- The client discloses evidence of child abuse – any child, anywhere—not just their own children.
- The client discloses evidence of elder (65 or older) or dependent adult abuse.
- The client or immediate family members of the client disclose an intent to harm others (Tarasoff).
- The therapist receives notification from the Department of Homeland Security to submit therapeutic records.
- The therapist is court-ordered to appear in court or submit progress notes regarding the client’s therapy.
Group Therapy
Group therapy poses a unique dynamic in which group members are trusted to maintain the confidentiality of other group members. While not bound by law, group members are asked to maintain a therapeutic environment and respect the boundaries and privacy of others in the group. Group members must never disclose the names or personal information of other group members to anyone outside the group.