Privacy & Confidentiality Policy

The information disclosed by Client is generally confidential and will not be released to any third party without written authorization from Client, except where required or permitted by law. Therapist is a mandated reporter, and is required by law to report such exceptions to confidentiality. In Couples and Family Therapy, Therapist has a no secrets policy. Therapist will not lie for you, or withhold secrets from your spouse or family members. It may be a conflict of interest to see you in Couples Counseling AND in Individual Psychotherapy. It is recommended to have a separate therapist for each if you need both.

Exceptions to confidentiality are:

• reporting child, elder or dependent adult abuse
• a client makes a serious threat of violence towards a reasonably identifiable victim (Intent to commit homicide or to assault another person)
• a client is dangerous to him/herself (intent to commit suicide) or the person or property of another
• Client reveals he/she is viewing child pornography

Patient Litigation

Therapist will not voluntarily participate in any litigation, or custody dispute in which Client and another individual, or entity, are parties. Therapist has a policy of not communicating with Client’s attorney and will generally not write or sign letters, reports, declarations, or affidavits to be used in Client’s legal matter. Therapist will generally not provide records or testimony unless compelled to do so. Should Therapist be subpoenaed, or ordered by a court of law, to appear as a witness in an action involving Client, Client agrees to reimburse Therapist for any time spent for preparation, travel, or other time in which Therapist has made him/herself available for such an appearance at Therapist’s usual and customary hourly rate of eighty-five dollars an hour, including travel time.

Psychotherapist-Client Privilege

The information disclosed by Client, as well as any records created, is subject to the psychotherapist-client privilege. The psychotherapist-client privilege results from the special relationship between Therapist and client in the eyes of the law. It is similar to the attorney-client privilege or the doctor-patient privilege. Typically, the client is the holder of the psychotherapist-client privilege. If Therapist received a subpoena for records, deposition testimony, or testimony in a court of law, Therapist will assert the psychotherapist-client privilege on Client’s behalf until instructed, in writing, to do otherwise by Client or Client’s representative. Client should be aware that he/she might be waiving the psychotherapist-client privilege if he/she makes his/her mental or emotional state an issue in a legal proceeding. Client should address any concerns he/she might have regarding the psychotherapist-client privilege with his/her attorney.