Privacy/Confidentiality 

Confidentiality:  The information you share with me is regarded with respect and complete confidentiality, within legal limits.  The privacy and confidentiality of your therapy sessions and your treatment records are your privilege, protected by both State law and by my professional ethical principles.  Some legal and ethical circumstances can occur, however, which would allow and/or require me to break your confidentiality.  These circumstances are: (1) when your therapist has reason to believe that you are intent on inflicting serious harm on either yourself or others; (2) when you reveal information that indicates a child or senior citizen has been or will be abused or neglected; (3) if a judge in a judicial proceeding orders my testimony in the interest of justice.

At times, I may find it helpful to consult with other professionals regarding my work with a particular client.  The goal of such consultation/supervision is to lead to better treatment for you and is an important part of ongoing quality assurance. The consultant(s) are legally bound to keep all information confidential.  Nevertheless, when and if such consultation occurs, neither your name nor identifying details will be shared.

When insurance is used by you to pay for all or part of treatment, insurance companies require a clinical diagnosis and occasionally expect additional clinical information.  While the details provided to the insurance companies are typically minimal, if you choose to pay for treatment with your insurance, your signed consent allows me to share required information.