Confidentiality

Is the information discussed in therapy kept private? 

The answer is "yes." You have a right to expect absolute privacy and confidentiality in therapy. Without your written consent, the therapist is prevented by law from discussing information you share during your sessions with anyone else. Knowing and trusting that anything you say will be safely contained in the therapeutic space is essential to meaningful therapy.

Are there ever instances in which the therapist does reveal what a client tells them? 

There are some limitations to confidentiality in therapy. The legal system acknowledges that there are times when the client, society, or both can benefit from release of information. The circumstances in which confidentiality can be breached are defined by State and Federal case law. The most common circumstances include:

Danger to self or others: All states allow a therapist to reveal the name of a client who is deemed a real and present danger to self (e.g., suicide) or others. Some states even require that the therapist warn or attempt to protect the person against whom the threats are being made.

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Abuse of children, elderly, or mentally or physically handicapped: In most states a therapist is required to report credible knowledge of current or past abuse. This applies to situations in which the client is the one who was abused as well as to situations in which the client is the abuser.

Collection of debt: If you fail to settle an account balance for your therapeutic treatment, your name and the amount you owe can be made known to a collection agency.

Defense of malpractice or professional complaint: If you were to allege that your therapist engaged in malpractice or some other unethical act, the therapist has the right to disclose information from your sessions in their defense of your charges.

For more information click on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)