Confidentiality
All communications will be held in strict confidence unless you provide written permission to release information about your treatment.
There are exceptions or limits to confidentiality, as by law, therapists are required to report instances of suspected child, elder abuse, and when they have determined that a patient presents a serious danger of physical violence to another person or when a patient is dangerous to him or herself.
Minors and Confidentiality
All communications with patients who are minors (under 18 years of age) are confidential. However, parents and other guardians who provide authorization for their child’s treatment are often involved in their treatment. Consequently, your therapist, in the exercise of his or her professional judgment, may discuss the treatment progress of a minor patient with the parent or caretaker.
Patients who are minors and their parents are urged to discuss any questions or concerns that they have on this topic with their therapist.
Mary E. Rodela, MS, LMFT 