My Commitments To You:
- You can expect to be treated with compassion, empathy, respect, and understanding.
- You can expect to meet with someone who is available to listen to you and to your interpretation of what you are currently experiencing.
- You can expect to receive knowledgeable and evidence-based techniques and information to assist you.
- You can expect to be seen in a safe, supportive, and confidential space.
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you”
-Maya Angelou
Is therapy confidential?
As a general rule, all therapy sessions are confidential and anything you discuss with your therapist will remain between the two of you, unless you request otherwise. Confidentiality is mandated by law for all licensed therapists. Most information from session cannot be disclosed without prior written consent from the client.
For children and teens, I am committed to protecting their confidentiality in order to foster a safe environment where they can feel free to communicate openly and honestly. I will inform clients if I need to share information with their parents for their safety and offer choice in how that information is shared. Parents, if you have any questions about what information is confidential and what would be shared please feel free to ask.
The exceptions to confidentiality require a therapist to disclose information to legal authorities or appointed persons if any of the following are true:
- If the therapist suspects abuse to a child, dependent adult, or an elder, or are made aware of domestic abuse they are required to report to DHS and/or law enforcement.
- If the therapist suspects an individual is threatening to cause severe bodily harm to another person, they are required to report it to the police and to the potential victim.
- If an individual intends to harm themself, expressing to the therapist for example, plans for suicide. While the therapist will attempt to work through this in the therapy session, if it appears to be unresolved or the client does not cooperate, additional action may need to be taken to ensure the safety of the client.
- In the event of a court case or report to the licensure board against the therapist or if the therapist is subpoenaed to a trial, relevant records may be released.
