Privacy policy

Confidentiality & Privacy Policy

The law protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission.

Exceptions include:

  • Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse, for which I am required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.

  • If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim.

  • If a client intends to harm himself or herself, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, I will take further measures without their permission that are provided to me by law in order to ensure their safety.

Adult client records are disposed of seven years after the file is closed. Minor client records are disposed of seven years after the client’s 18th birthday. All Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapists, their supervisors, and group supervision members will not disclose information, but the following limitations and exceptions do exist:

  • I determine that you are a danger to yourself or someone else.

  •  You disclose abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a child, elderly, or disabled person.

  • You or your legal guardian gives written consent to release information to a designated individual or agency. 

  • I or my supervisor are named as defendants in a civil, criminal, or disciplinary action arising from the counseling session.

  • I receive an authentic subpoena backed by judicial authority that requires the disclosure of information. 

  • I am otherwise required by law to disclose information. 

Emergency Contact: If you are in an emergency and need immediate help please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at: 1-800-273-8255.

Limits of Confidentiality: Confidentiality will conform to state guidelines and the ethical guidelines of the American Counseling Association, the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapists, and the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.