Confidentiality
Building a trusting, therapeutic relationship is a key component to growth and change. It is our utmost responsibility to ensure this happens for each client. Understanding the information surrounding this trusting relationship is important. All information provided concerning each client will remain confidential unless our professionals are legally or ethically bound by law to report certain circumstances to the appropriate party or agency.
In Relation to Minors
It is important to understand the necessity for maintaining confidentiality especially in relation to those under the age of 18. However, by law parents are entitled access to all information pertaining to their children. The level of confidentiality between the minor and their therapist is addressed with all parties during the initial consultation.
Exceptions
- All therapists are obligated to report any suspicion of abuse or neglect of a child, adolescent, elderly individual, or mentally disabled person.
- If it is judged that a client will harm him/herself or someone else, all therapists are obligated to contact the appropriate law enforcement and/or medical officials.
- If a client is referred to Avery Behavioral Health by an agency, such as DARS or CPS, information is subject to be released to the referring agency. However, if this is the case you will be informed of this at the onset of treatment or evaluation.
- In some circumstances, our records may be subject to subpeona by a court of law. If this occurs, we are obligated to provide what is subpoenaed.
- If we are submitting claims to your health insurance company, or you choose to use your health insurance to pay for the psychological services being provided to you, Avery Behavioral Health may be required to release certain information as dictated by law.
- The law allows Avery Behavioral Health to submit certain patient information to a collection agency in order to collect the balance of an overdue account.
This is not a complete list of exceptions to client confidentiality. If you have any concerns or questions regarding confidentiality please contact us.