CONFIDENTIALITY

I am required by applicable federal and state law to maintain the privacy of your protected health information. “Protected health information”(PHI) is information about you that may identify you and that relates to your past, present, or future physical or mental health or condition. You may give me written authorization to disclose this information to another person and for the purpose you designate. Further description of how medical/mental health information about you may be used and disclosed is made available on a separate information sheet that I will provide you. However, there are limits to the privilege of confidentiality.

These situations include:

• possible abuse or neglect of a child, elderly person or a disabled person.
• when your therapist believes you are in danger of harming yourself or another person or you are unable to care for yourself.
• if you report that you intend to physically injure someone the law requires your therapist to inform that person as well as the legal authorities.
• if your therapist is ordered by a court to release information as part of a legal involvement in company litigation, etc.
• when your insurance company is involved, e.g. in filing a claim, insurance audits, case review or appeals, etc.
• natural disasters whereby protected records may become exposed.
• otherwise required by law.