Confidentiality  Policy

The confidentiality of the information you provide to me is not only a critical aspect of therapy, but it is also protected by both California state law and by the standards and ethics of my profession. No information is disclosed without your prior written consent, except in four situations.

These four important exceptions are specified by law and include the following:

  1. Reports of suspected child abuse, dependant adult abuse or elder abuse. The therapist is required to immediately report these situations to the appropriate authorities.

  2. Client threats of serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police of this.

  3. Client threats of intent to harm himself or herself. I will make every effort to work with the individual to insure his or her safety, but if the client does not cooperate, additional measures may be necessary.

  4. A court order, issued by a judge, can compel any therapist to disclose client information. In most cases, courts recognize the importance of client confidentiality, so a court order to disclose information is very rare in my practice.