Dr. Robin Wachs

Confidentiality

The law protects the confidentiality of information between the Client/Patient (You) and the Psychologist/Therapist (Me), such that information about you can not be disclosed without your written consent. 

 

Limits of Confidentiality

The law states that the following circumstances are exceptions to confidentiality:

 

• Duty to Warn and Protect
  If you disclose a plan or threat to harm yourself, the therapist must attempt to notify your family and notify legal authorities. In addition, if you disclose a plan to threaten or harm another person, the therapist is required to warn the possible victim and notify legal authorities.
   

• Abuse of Children and Vulnerable Adults
  If you disclose, or it is suspected, that there is abuse or harmful neglect of children or vulnerable adults (ie. the elderly, disabled, or incompetent) the therapist must report this information to the appropriate state agency and/or legal authorities. 
   

• Minors/Guardianship
  Parents or legal guardians of non-emancipated minor clients have the legal right to access the client’s records.
   

• Prenatal Exposure to Controlled Substances
  Therapists must report any admitted prenatal exposure to controlled substances that could be harmful to the mother or the child.
   

• Insurance Providers
  Insurance companies and other third-party payers are given information that they request regarding services to the clients they cover. 

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