• The law protects the confidential nature of the relationship between a client and a healthcare professional. All information shared during an evaluation and/or subsequent treatment sessions is strictly confidential.  Information cannot be disclosed to any party without written permission and a signed release of information.

 

• Exceptions include:

 

     1. Suspected child abuse and dependent     

        adult or elder abuse, for it is required by

        law to report to the appropriate authorities.

   

    2. If a patient is threatening serious bodily       

        harm to another person, it is required by 

        law to notify the police and inform the        

        intended victim. 

 

    3. If a patient intends to harm himself or

       herself, a healthcare professional first

       makes every effort to enlist the patient's

       cooperation to ensure their safety.

 

    4. If a client is unwilling or unable to ensure

       his/her safety, and the healthcare

       professional believes he or she is an

       imminent danger to themselves, further

       measures will be taken without the patient's

       permission, as provided by the law, in order

       to ensure their safety.