Is Therapy Confidential?

Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive material not usually discussed anywhere but the therapist's office. Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone.  This is called “Informed Consent”.

Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information to a 3rd party such as your Physician or Attorney, but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.

State law and professional ethics dictate that therapists must maintain confidentiality in all cases, except for the following safety related situations:

* Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, dependent adults, and/or elders 65+.

*If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming themselves or another person

In these cases, the therapist must notify the authorities, including Child, Adult and Elder Protection services and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.