Confidentiality & Privacy Policy
Out of respect for the client-therapist boundaries to encourage the individual to disclose the content within the couple's session. Therapy sessions may pause or terminate until secret disclosures are addressed. The goal is to promote honesty and accountability in the relationship. However, relationship, not every detail shared in sessions with adolescents will be disclosed to parents. However, any safety concerns will be communicated in accordance with our policy and in alignment with ethical and legal guidelines.
We hold a No-Secrets Policy in Couples Therapy in which the therapist does not keep individual disclosures from one partner a secret from the other. This policy is designed to maintain transparency, fairness, and therapeutic integrity. The therapist will maintain confidentiality remains in place for matters outside the couple’s dynamic, and I will always follow ethical and legal guidelines regarding safety concerns.
The law protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission.
Exceptions include:
- Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse, for which I am 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 ensuring 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 most important components between a client and psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office. Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent”. Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.
However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:
* Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders requires therapists to report to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.
* If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.
Consumer Information
Health Care Records
To request a copy of your health care records, please submit a written request by email or mail. Requests are processed in accordance with Texas law.
Council Contact Us
Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council
https://bhec.texas.gov/contact-us/
Consumer Complaints
To file a consumer complaint, visit the Texas Office of the Attorney General:
https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection/file-consumer-complaint
Fees for Copies of Health Care Records:
Reasonable fees may apply for copies of health care records, as permitted by Texas law.
Electronic records: Up to $25 for requests of 500 pages or fewer
Paper records: Up to $25 for the first 20 pages, plus $0.50 per additional page
Postage or delivery costs may be added if applicable
Any fees charged reflect the actual cost of producing the records. Clients will be informed of applicable fees prior to release.
Record Release Timeline:
We will provide access to your health care records in compliance with Texas law and the HIPAA Privacy Rule, typically within 15 business days of receiving a complete written request and any applicable fees. If additional time is needed, we will notify you in writing.