It is important for you to know that information disclosed either via telephone or in-person is kept strictly confidential and protected by law. In the case of material disclosed during therapy sessions, you hold the legal right of "privileged confidential." This means that in a court of law, your psychologist may not reveal any information that you disclosed in a session, unless he or she is court ordered or subpoenaed. In general, mental health professionals are not allowed to reveal personally identifiable information about you to anyone, unless you first provide authorization by signing a consent form.

Several exceptions exist with respect to confidentiality, and these are listed below. Should an exception to confidentiality arise during our work together, I will make every reasonable effort to discuss with you my ethical and/or legal obligations in disclosing confidential information before doing so. Exceptions to confidentially include but are not limited to:

1. If I have a reasonable suspicion that a child or minor, elderly person, or disabled person is being abused or neglected, I must report this to the appropriate agency.
2. If I believe that a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person, I am required to take protective actions, which may include notifying the potential victim, police, and/or seeking appropriate hospitalization for you or your child.
3. If I believe that a client is threatening serious bodily harm to him or herself, I may be required to seek hospitalization for the client, or to contact family members or others who can monitor the client for safety.

Finally, it is important for you to know that email is not a confidential form of communication; therefore, I do not generally use this as a means of communicating with my clients.