Confidentiality & Privacy Policy
Confidentiality and privacy are matters we place a high importance on and for that reasons, we have included this information. The law protects the relationship between a client and a therapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission.
Exceptions include:
• Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse, for which we are required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
• If a client intends to harm himself or herself, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in insuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, I will take further measures without their permission that are provided to me by law in order to ensure their safety.
Confidentiality is one of the ethical and legal principles of counseling and we are committed to honoring those principles. However, most states, including Florida where we are located, require disclosure of information that would normally be confidential in certain situations:
Florida Statutes 491.0147-- Confidentiality and privileged communications: Although these requirements are directed to clients, and website visitors are not clients, we will follow the principles of the law to the extent possible with website communications. Confidentiality is waived when:
• A person gives permission to share information.
• There is clear probability of physical harm to the person, to other individuals or groups, or to society.
• A judge signs an order requiring disclosure
• When the licensed person is a defendent in any complaint, disciplinary action, civil or criminal action that is filed by the person who has revealed the information.
• In some cases of medical emergencies, basic information may be disclosed to ensure you health is protected.