Confidentiality FAQs

Q: What are the limits of confidentiality in therapy?

A: While therapy sessions are generally confidential, therapists must adhere to some limits to confidentiality. These limits include:

• Duty to warn: Therapists have a duty to warn when a client poses a serious threat of harm to themselves or others. In such cases, the therapist may need to breach confidentiality to protect individuals from potential harm.
• Child or elder abuse: Therapists are required to report any suspected child or elder abuse to the appropriate authorities. This duty to report overrides the confidentiality agreement between the therapist and the client.
• Court orders: If a judge issues a court order demanding specific information from therapy sessions, the therapist may be required to provide the requested information, even if it breaches confidentiality.
• Supervision and consultation: Therapists often consult with supervisors or colleagues to ensure they provide the best possible care. In this context, they may discuss client cases, but precautions are taken to maintain confidentiality.
• Insurance or legal purposes: Insurance companies or legal entities may require certain information from therapy sessions for claims processing or legal matters. While therapists strive to protect client confidentiality, they will comply with these requirements if necessary.

Q: Can therapists share my information with my family, spouse, or friends without my consent?

A: No, therapists cannot share your information with others, including family, spouse, or friends, without your explicit consent. Confidentiality in therapy is paramount, and unless one of the aforementioned limits applies, therapists are legally and ethically obligated to keep your information private.

Q: Can therapists share information about my therapy sessions with other healthcare providers?

A: Generally, therapists require your consent to share information about your therapy sessions with other healthcare providers involved in your care. They often request a signed release form, allowing them to communicate with these providers. However, there may be circumstances where sharing such information is crucial for your overall well-being, but the therapist will discuss this with you beforehand and seek your consent whenever possible.

Q: Are therapists allowed to disclose my information to my employer?

A: No, herapists cannot disclose your information to your employer without your explicit and informed consent. The therapist-patient confidentiality agreement protects your privacy and ensures that your therapy sessions remain confidential.

Q: If I tell my therapist I have suicidal thoughts will I end up in an inpatient facility? 

A: Not necessarily. Suicidal thoughts vs. suicidal plans can be quite different. Here is some information about the difference:

• Suicidal Thoughts: If a person expresses suicidal thoughts (thinking about suicide), mental health professionals typically treat this with a high level of confidentiality. They encourage open communication without fear of judgment to help individuals express their feelings and concerns. The goal is to establish a therapeutic relationship where individuals can safely discuss their thoughts and emotions.

• Suicidal Plans: When individuals communicate specific, detailed plans or intentions to harm themselves, mental health professionals may intervene to ensure the individual's safety. In these situations, the limits of confidentiality may be expanded. Mental health professionals are obligated to take action to prevent the person from self-harm or find appropriate resources to provide assistance, possibly involving contacting emergency services or the person's support network.

If a client tells me they are having suicidal thoughts, first, it’s important for them to know that suicidal thoughts can happen to many people and can be more common than people may think. These thoughts usually come from feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, without options for change, or other experiences. 

I would ask the client if they have had thoughts of plans and/or have the means to hurt themselves. If a client is simply having the thoughts, we would discuss that together to help them through it, which would not break confidentiality. 

It is important to note that the specifics of confidentiality may vary depending on local laws, ethical guidelines, and individual therapist policies. It is recommended to discuss any concerns or questions regarding confidentiality with me directly to gain a clear understanding of my practice and policies.

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