PRIVACY POLICY
Contents of all therapy sessions are considered to be confidential. Both verbal information and written records about a client cannot be shared with another party without the written consent of the client or the client’s legal guardian. Noted exceptions are as follows:
Duty to Warn and Protect- When a client discloses intentions or a plan to harm another person, the mental health professional is required to warn the intended victim and report this information to legal authorities. In cases in which the client discloses or implies a plan for suicide, the health care professional is required to notify legal authorities and make reasonable attempts to notify the family of the client.
Abuse of Children and Vulnerable Adults- If a client states or suggest that he or she is abusing a child (or vulnerable adult) or has recently abused a child (or vulnerable adult), or a child (or vulnerable adult) is in danger of abuse, the mental health professional is required to report this information to the appropriate social service and/or legal authorities.
Prenatal Exposure to Controlled Substances- Mental Health care professionals are required to reported admitted prenatal exposure to controlled substances that are potentially harmful.
Minors/Guardianship- Parents or legal guardians of non-emancipated minor clients may have the right to access the clients’ records.
Insurance Providers (when applicable) – Insurance companies and other third-party payers are given information that they request regarding services to clients. Information that may be requested includes, but is not limited to: types of service, dates/times of service, diagnosis, treatment plan, and description of impairment, progress of therapy, case notes, and summaries.
You may choose to utilize e-mail and text message communication for administrative questions and for scheduling purposes. Because I am committed to your privacy and to offering the best therapeutic care possible, therapeutic services will not be offered through standard e-mail and text message communications. Please do not include confidential or private information in e-mails and text messages. E-mail and text message communications from clients or potential clients that contain such private information will not be responded to by any person at Gold Seams Counseling through e-mail or text message.