In general, the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a licensed mental health professional is protected by law, and information about the work you do with your clinician can be released to others only with your written permission. However, there are a number of exceptions. If more than one person is seen in therapy, such as a husband and wife, both signatures are required to release information. In most judicial proceedings, you have the right to prevent your clinician from providing any information about your treatment.

However, in some circumstances such as child custody proceedings and proceedings in which your emotional condition is an important element, a judge may require your treatment provider's testimony if he/she determines that resolution of the issues before him/her demands it. There are some situations that legally require action to be taken to protect others from harm, even though that requires revealing some information about a client's treatment. For example, if it is believed that a child, an elderly person, or a disabled person is being abused, a report must be filed with the appropriate state agency.

If it is believed that a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another or to a person's property, protective actions must be taken, which may include notifying the potential victim, notifying the police, or seeking appropriate hospitalization. If a client threatens to harm her/himself, the clinician may be required to seek hospitalization for the client, or to contact family members or others who can help provide protection.

These situations rarely arise. Should such a situation occur, every effort will be made to fully discuss it with you before taking any action. Occasionally, it is helpful to consult about a case with other professionals. In these consultations, every effort is made to avoid revealing the identity of the client. The consultant is, of course, also legally bound to keep the information confidential. Unless you object, you will not be told about the consultations unless your clinician feels it will be important to your work.

While this written summary of exceptions to confidentiality should prove helpful in informing you about potential problems, it is important that you and your clinician discuss any questions or concerns which you may have, whenever they arise. As you might suspect, the laws governing these issues are quite complex, and your clinician is not an attorney.

While your clinician will be happy to discuss these issues with you, should you need specific advice, formal legal consultation may be desirable. If you request, relevant portions or summaries of the applicable state laws governing these issues will be provided to you.