What is confidentiality?

Confidentiality means that what is discussed in my office is not discussed elsewhere.  I take confidentiality seriously since I know that it provides the safety you need to feel comfortable talking about highly personal topics. 

limits to confidentiality:

• Expressed intent to harm yourself (duty to protect).
• Expressed intent to harm others (duty to warn).
• Child abuse or neglect
• Elder abuse
• Court issued Subpoena
  

Consultation:

Counselors are ethically and legally allowed to consult with other counselors or supervisors about cases.  This is done to improve your overall quality of care.  Counselors may consult a specialist or other counselor to seek advice on a course of action when another counselor may have some helpful suggestions.  Typically names are not disclosed except under a direct supervisor. 

Last updated on January 27, 2011 by Gretchen F