The law protects the relationship between a patient and a psychologist.  Most situations require written authorization to share your personal information.  There are exceptions which are protected by law when your safety or the safety of others is of the most concern and your information may be shared without your written consent.  We will talk about this and other aspects of confidentiality during our first meeting.

In most situations, I can release information about your treatment plan to others only if you sign a written authorization which meets HIPAA requirements. Other situations require you to provide written authorization in advance.  These situations may include occasional consultation with other health or mental health professionals.  Please know that every attempt will be made to protect your identity and those other professionals are also required to maintain your privacy in that event.  Additionally, while every effort is made to protect your identity, I require help by my administrative staff who may require your protected information for purposes such scheduling, coordination of care, billing and quality assurances.  They are trained in protecting your private information and will release information with the approval of myself or another professional. 

• I am also required to provide your insurance company with information, including your protected information, diagnosis, summaries and results, about the services you receive, if you choose to use insurance for payment or reimbursement.

Often, information cannot be disclosed without your written permission, however, the law provides exceptions for your safety and the safety of other, as follows:
1. Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse, for which I am a “mandated reporter” required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
2. If a patient is threatening serious bodily harm to another identified person/s, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
3. If a patient intends to harm himself or herself, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, I will take further measures without their permission that are provided by law in order to ensure their safety.

4. A court order, government agency request, workers compensation claim or a filed complaint or lawsuit against me.