Confidentiality

Counseling Services - Confidentiality and Client Rights and Responsibilities

All interactions with Counseling Services are confidential and may not be released to anyone outside of Counseling Services unless clients give written authorization to disclose information. Exceptions to this policy are explained below. Counseling Services staff works as a team and may consult with each other to provide clients with the best possible care. These consultations are for professional purposes only.

Exceptions to Confidentiality

Counseling Services staff are required to disclose certain information in order to protect clients and/or others in the following situations: a) if a client is in danger or risk of imminent harm to her/himself or harm to specifically identified others; b) if a counselor reasonably believes that a child or disabled person or elderly person is suffering injury as a result of neglect or abuse; c) if a judge orders Counseling Services to provide information in the process of a court proceeding; d) if counselors receive information regarding the stealing or distribution of prescription medication or of clients working in an impaired state due to substance abuse.

Client Rights

Clients have the right to see counseling records pertinent to their care. Clients have the right to obtain appropriate counseling for the issues of their choice. If Counseling Services staff is unable to help, they will make every effort to refer clients to appropriate resources and support. Clients will be informed about the various services available and participate in the process of deciding which of these is most helpful. Clients have the right to question the focus of their counseling sessions. Clients have the right to end their counseling at any time. Clients have the right to request a different counselor.

Client Responsibilities

Clients are asked to keep scheduled appointments. If it is impossible to keep an appointment, clients are asked to let Counseling Services staff know as soon as possible. If clients miss two consecutive appointments without notice, their counselor may discuss the appropriateness of continuing counseling. If clients plan on discontinuing counseling, they are asked to tell their counselor in a session.