Confidentiality is one of the most important qualities between a client and psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office. Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent”. Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.
However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:
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To operation her or his practice including information necessary to get paid by insurance companies.
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If you sign an appropriate written release to share the information.
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As a law requires. The law therapists most frequently have to consider related to suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, incapacitated persons, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.
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If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.
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If a person files a criminal, civil, or administrative complaint against the therapist, the therapist’s practice or license.
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If a therapist is ordered by a court of law.