All information and records will be kept confidential, and will be held in accordance with state laws regarding the confidentiality of such records and information. Currently, both law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain complete confidentiality in the vast majority of cases. In these cases, the therapist cannot release any information about you or your family without your express permission. Records and/or information will be released regardless of consent under the following circumstances, however:
If the therapist has reason to believe that a health care professional has engaged in professional misconduct; If the patient introduces his or her mental condition as a defense in a legal proceeding; If the patient/family initiates a Board complaint or legal action against the therapist; If a judge orders the therapist to release patient information related to legal proceedings; According to the state and local laws, therapists must report all cases of suspected physical and sexual abuse or neglect of minors, elderly or handicapped to the appropriate agencies; According to the state and local laws, therapists may report all cases in which there exists a danger to self or others to the appropriate people or agencies.
Finally, if your account is delinquent and you have not made appropriate arrangements with me, confidentiality would be breached by giving your name to a collection agency.