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Policies and Privacy

CONFIDENTIALITY

The session content and all relevant materials to the client’s treatment will be held confidential unless the client requests in writing to have all or portions of such content released to a specifically named person/persons.

 

Limitations of such client held privilege of confidentiality exist and are itemized below:

1. If a client threatens or attempts to commit suicide or otherwise conducts themselves in a manner in which there is a substantial risk of incurring serious bodily harm.

2. If a client threatens grave bodily harm or death to another person.

3. If the therapist has a reasonable suspicion that a client or other individual is the perpetrator, observer of, or actual victim of physical, emotional or sexual abuse of children under the age of 18 years.

4. Suspicions as stated above in the case of an elderly, disabled, or otherwise vulnerable adult who may be subjected to these abuses.

5. Suspected neglect of the parties named in items #3 and # 4.

6. If a court of law issues a legitimate subpoena for information stated on the subpoena.

7. If a client is in therapy or being treated by order of a court of law, or if information is obtained for the purpose of rendering an expert’s report to an attorney. Occasionally I may need to consult with other professionals in their areas of expertise in order to provide the best treatment for you. Information about you may be shared in this context without using your name.

If we see each other accidentally outside of the therapy office, I will not acknowledge you first. Your right to privacy and confidentiality is of the utmost importance to me, and I do not wish to jeopardize your privacy. However, if you acknowledge me first, I will be more than happy to speak briefly with you, but feel it appropriate not to engage in any lengthy discussions in public or outside of the therapy office

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HIPAA​

What Is HIPAA? 

HIPAA stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which includes a section on the privacy of information for clients of healthcare providers. This section is called the HIPAA Privacy Rule, which is a federal law that gives clients rights over their health information. The information that clients are legally entitled to includes, but is not limited to: 

  • Information put on a client’s medical record 

  • Billing information about a client

  • Conversations a provider has with other care providers in a healthcare system 

  • A client’s diagnosis 

  • Therapy notes 

  • Information shared by the client in session, with a few exceptions

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Who Is Required To Follow HIPAA Laws? 

The following types of healthcare professionals are required to follow HIPAA: 

  • Employees of covered entities, including health plans, healthcare organizations, doctors, and healthcare clearinghouses

  • Healthcare billing companies 

  • Healthcare administration companies 

  • Outside workers who perform contracts for covered healthcare workers, such as lawyers or IT workers

  • Companies that store healthcare records

  • Therapy office receptionists 

  • Some other business associates 

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Covered entities are businesses or practices that must follow HIPAA according to law. Some healthcare providers might not have to follow HIPAA if they don’t fall into one of these categories. The following are examples of people who may not have to follow the privacy rules: 

  • Life insurers 

  • Employers 

  • Schools and school districts 

  • Law enforcement agencies 

  • Child protective services (CPS) and some health and human services government departments 

  • Workers’ compensation carriers 

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