As a client, you have a right to confidential communication in the therapeutic relationship. In other words, your right to confidentiality is protected by law, and the therapist can only release information about you with your written permission. However, there are some limits to confidentiality that are explained below.

Child, Elder, or Dependent Adult Abuse: There are some situations in which the therapist is legally required to take action to prevent others from harm, and this action may involve revealing information about you. If the therapist believes that a child, elderly person, or a dependent adult is being harmed, she may be legally required to file a report with the appropriate social service agency.

Danger to Self: If the therapist believes that a client is in serious danger of harming him/herself (i.e., suicidal intent, grave disability), she may be required to take protective actions, which may include notifying the police, emergency paramedics, or others who may provide protection, and/or seeking appropriate hospitalization.

Danger to Others: If the therapist believes that a client is threatening serious harm to another, she may be required to take protective actions; these may include notifying the police, notifying potential victims, and/or seeking appropriate hospitalization.

The above situations are rare. Should such a situation occur, the therapist would make every effort to fully discuss it with you before taking any actions.