Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and psychotherapist. Successful counseling requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist’s office.   Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone.  This is called “Informed Consent”.

Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.

However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:

1. Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.

2. If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.

In these situations, the therapist can and will share information without your written consent to ensure your imminent safety or the imminent safety of others.