Confidentiality in Psychotherapy
Healthcare information about you and your mental health is personal and will be protected as such. A record of the care and services you receive will be created. This record is necessary to provide you with quality care and to comply with certain legal requirements. Communication with a therapist or other mental health practitioner is held in confidence and will not be revealed to outside agencies or individuals without your written authorization. Information related to your treatment will never be released or communicated to any third party without your express consent, with the exception of certain situations that are dictated by law (child abuse, imminent threat of danger to yourself or others, court order). In most cases, information released to insurance companies for reimbursement for services will be sent by the client.
The fundamental building blocks of all good therapeutic relationships are trust and open communication. In accordance with privacy laws (HIPAA) and social work values and ethics, information disclosed from client to therapist is privileged. In the case of working with minors, confidentiality will be breached and primary caregivers informed when safety of the minor child is at imminent risk. Minor clients will always be encouraged to disclose such information to their caregivers personally, but in the event that they are unable or unwilling to do so, parents will be provided the essential information by the therapist so they may take necessary precautions and proceed with their child's treatment as clinically indicated.
Confidentiality in Mediation
Pennsylvania statute provides that all mediation communications and mediation documents are privileged. Information disclosed or obtained during the mediation process shall not be required in any legal proceeding, and a mediator cannot be compelled to testify in a divorce action, should the parties wind up in court. All information obtained in mediation is to be held confidential unless its release is mutually consented to by both parties. Exceptions will apply in cases of suspicion or knowledge of child abuse, criminal activity, or imminent risk of harm to or by either party. At the completion of mediation, the Memorandum of Agreement will be provided to both parties. Parties may then share the agreement with their respective attorneys for review and filing with the court.
