Therapists have unique confidentiality concerns because the client in a therapeutic relationship may be more than one person.

     Therapists respect and guard the confidences of each individual client.  We will disclose to clients and other interested parties, as early as feasible in their professional contacts, the nature of confidentiality and possible limitations of the client’s right to confidentiality.  We will review with the clients the circumstances where confidential information may be requested and where disclosure of confidential information may be legally required.  Circumstances may necessitate repeated disclosures.

We do not disclose client confidences except by written authorization or waiver, or where mandated or permitted by law.  Verbal authorization will not be sufficient except in emergency situations, unless prohibited by law, specifically in instances of danger to self or others, suspected child abuse/neglect, or disabled adult abuse/neglect.  When providing couple, family or group treatment, the therapist does not disclose information outside the treatment context without a written authorization form each individual competent to execute a waiver.  In context of the couple, family or group treatment, the therapist may not reveal any individual’s confidences to others in the client unit without the prior written permission of that individual.

We will use client and/or clinical materials in teaching, writing, consulting, research, and public presentations only if a written waiver has been obtained in accordance with this section, or when appropriate steps have been taken to protect client identity and confidentiality.

We will store, safeguard, and dispose of client records in ways that maintain confidentiality and in accord with applicable laws and professional standards.  Subsequent to moving from the area, closing the practice, or upon a therapist's death, We will arrange for the storage, transfer or disposal of client records in ways that maintain confidentiality and safeguard the welfare of clients.

Finally, when consulting with colleagues or referral sources, we will not share confidential information that could reasonably lead to the identification of a client, research participant, supervisee, or other person with whom they have a confidential relationship.  Information may be shared only to the extent necessary to achieve the purposes of consultation.