Privacy & Policies
CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY POLICY
The law protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission.
Exceptions include:
Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse, for which I am required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
If a client 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 to me by law in order to ensure their safety.
CONFIDENTIALITY
The session content and all relevant materials to your treatment will be held confidential unless you request in writing to have all or portions of such content released to a named person. Limitations of such client-held privilege of confidentiality exist and are itemized below:
If a client threatens or attempts to commit suicide or otherwise conducts themselves in a manner in which there is a substantial risk of incurring serious bodily harm.
If a client threatens grave bodily harm or death to another person.
If the therapist has a reasonable suspicion that a client or other named victim is the perpetrator, observer of, or actual victim of physical, emotional or sexual abuse of children under the age of 18 years.
Suspicions as stated above in the case of an elderly person 60 or older or dependent adults who may be subjected to these abuses.
Suspected neglect of the parties named in items #3 and # 4.
If a court of law issues a legitimate subpoena for information stated on the subpoena.
If a client is in therapy or being treated by order of a court of law, or if information is obtained for the purpose of rendering an expert’s report to an attorney.
Other legal situations where law enforcement may be involved including audits, investigations of crimes (including if you are a victim), or public health authorities needing information to prevent or control diseases.
If I need to consult with other professionals in their areas of expertise in order to provide the best treatment for you, information about you may be shared without using your name.
If we see each other accidentally outside of the therapy office, I will not acknowledge you first. Your right to privacy is of the utmost importance to me, and I do not wish to jeopardize it.
However, if you acknowledge me first, I will be more than happy to speak briefly with you but will not engage in any lengthy discussions in public or outside of the therapy office.
Regarding social media, no friend requests on my personal or professional outlets (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc) will be accepted by former or current clients.
If you choose to comment on my professional pages or posts, know that you do so at your own risk of breach of confidentiality and I have no liability if someone identifies you as a client.
MINORS AND CONFIDENTIALITY
Communications between therapists and clients who are under the age of 18 are confidential. However, certain information about your progress and safety will be discussed with parents and other guardians who provide authorization for your treatment.
Clients who are minors and parents/guardians are encouraged to share questions or concerns with me about confidentiality. I will discuss with you and your parents what information is appropriate for them to receive and which issues are more appropriately kept confidential.
Additionally, if a minor works with a school counselor, I may request you sign a Release of Information form which allows me to speak to the counselor in order to coordinate treatment and help you integrate clinical goals into your daily school life.
GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost.
Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services.
You can ask your healthcare provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.
NOTICE TO PATIENTS
The Board of Behavioral Sciences receives and responds to complaints regarding services provided within the scope of practice of Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. You may contact the board online at www.bbs.ca.gov, or by calling (916) 574-7830.