Privacy & Confidentiality
Psychotherapy is "privileged communication," defined and strictly protected
by State and Federal law. What you tell a psychologist is confidential.
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I go beyond the mandated requirements to protect your privacy as fully
as possible. For example,
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I do my own paperwork, so you don't have to worry about secretaries or
billing agencies violating your privacy.
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I do not offer group therapy, in part because other group members cannot
be held to the same strict standards of confidentiality that therapists
maintain
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I stagger appointments, and have a separate entrance and exit, so you won't
be waiting with others (as often occurs in clinics and other doctor's offices).
There are a few, limited exceptions to confidentiality under the law
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Therapists are required to disclose child- or elder-abuse to a child protective
agency.
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If you are an imminent threat to the life of an identifiable victim, I
am required to take steps to protect that person (e.g., to inform him or
her they're in mortal danger).
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If you are trying to kill yourself, or are so gravely disabled that you
are grossly unable to care for yourself, I am permitted (although not necessarily
required) to take steps to protect your safety.
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If you ask me convey information to third parties (e.g., another doctor
or an insurance company), or include your psychological treatment in a
legal proceeding, then I will respect your request to release your information.
Those disclosures are under your control, not mine, and I obviously cannot
determine what third parties might subsequently do with the information
you ask me to share with them.
I'll be glad to discuss confidentiality and exceptions with you, and
describe how to maximally protect your privacy. Please ask if you
have questions or concerns.
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