Confidentiality and Ethics
Your privacy is extremely important to us and we treat it with great care. What you share with us is completely confidential unless you tell us to share particular parts of our sessions with another, or if the information you share falls under the limits of confidentiality.
If you should want us to share information, maybe with your doctor, your employer, or someone else, you will be asked what exact information you want us share and to sign a specific release of information. That release will be good for one full year unless you decide you want to make it shorter, or if you cancel the release. You have the right to do either. Also, in the State of California, a judge can create a court order for all records that can not then be limited by you in content or time.
There are also several areas that the State of California require that I break confidentiality in order to protect people. These areas are as follows:
-If there is reason to believe you are threatening harm to another person I am required to contact both the police and that person.
-If I suspect you may seriously harm yourself or try to take your own life I am required to contact the police or someone else to escort you to the hospital where you will be assessed for intent. You may be required by law to stay at the hospital for further assessment in order to keep you safe.
-If there is any suspicion of child abuse, elder abuse, or dependent adult abuse by you or another that you are reporting about I am required to get Child Protective Services, Adult Protective Services, or the police in order to protect the individuals from further harm.
-If insurance is being billed for services they will require a diagnosis and at times a review of services with a case manager.
(Photography is property of Cathy O'Donnell. Do not copy or use without prior permission)
If you should want us to share information, maybe with your doctor, your employer, or someone else, you will be asked what exact information you want us share and to sign a specific release of information. That release will be good for one full year unless you decide you want to make it shorter, or if you cancel the release. You have the right to do either. Also, in the State of California, a judge can create a court order for all records that can not then be limited by you in content or time.
There are also several areas that the State of California require that I break confidentiality in order to protect people. These areas are as follows:
-If there is reason to believe you are threatening harm to another person I am required to contact both the police and that person.
-If I suspect you may seriously harm yourself or try to take your own life I am required to contact the police or someone else to escort you to the hospital where you will be assessed for intent. You may be required by law to stay at the hospital for further assessment in order to keep you safe.
-If there is any suspicion of child abuse, elder abuse, or dependent adult abuse by you or another that you are reporting about I am required to get Child Protective Services, Adult Protective Services, or the police in order to protect the individuals from further harm.
-If insurance is being billed for services they will require a diagnosis and at times a review of services with a case manager.
(Photography is property of Cathy O'Donnell. Do not copy or use without prior permission)
