Confidentiality

Can you disclose anything we’ve talked about in therapy?

Everything that is disclosed during session, stays in session. However, there are several instances in which I am ethically and legally obligated to breach confidentiality.

1. A client presents a serious and imminent danger to others.

In such an instance, we are obligated by law to inform the appropriate authorities and notify the intended victim.

2. A client presents a serious and imminent danger to themselves.

We will do everything in my power to ensure that every precaution is taken to maintain a client’s physical safety. However, if a client does not cooperate, we are obligated by law to take further measures without their permission to ensure their safety.

3. A client informs us that someone is harming them.

We are New York State mandated reporters, as such we are mandated by New York State law to report child abuse, neglect and maltreatment.

4. When clients disclose that they have a disease commonly known to be communicable and/or life threatening and a third party is in serious risk of contracting that disease.

In specific circumstances, we may be justified in disclosing information to identifiable third parties if the parties are known to be at serious and foreseeable risk of contracting the disease.

5. We are ordered by the court to release confidential or privileged information.

However, we will seek to obtain written informed consent from the client to take steps to prohibit the disclosure or have it limited as narrowly as possible to offset potential harm to our relationship.

Confidentiality and your child or adolescent

Ethically, mental health practitioners are advised to inform parents or guardians about the nature of counseling, the importance of confidentiality and to divulge only what is necessary. Above all, mental health practitioners must do what is in the best interest of the client while working to establish a collaborative relationship amongst all parties. When young people are assured that providers will respect their right to confidentiality, they are more likely to seek mental health services and benefit from them.