Privacy

Limits of Confidentiality

All information given during treatment is held in the strictest confidence and no information will be shared without the client’s written permission per professional ethical standards and Tennessee state law. However, there are limits to confidentiality as follows:

1. When the client threatens suicide, the law demands that the therapist report this situation to the appropriate legal authorities and someone close to the client who can possibly help at the time of the threat.
2. When the client threatens to harm another person(s), including murder, assault and/or other physical harm, the law demands the therapist report this situation to the appropriate legal authorities.
3. If the client reports his/her involvement in any act against a child which is considered abuse of that child, including excessive physical beating, neglect, and/or molestation; or if the client reports his/her involvement in any act considered physically abusive against a dependent adult or elder adult; or if the client reports knowledge of such an act by another, the law mandates that the therapist report this involvement or knowledge to the appropriate legal authorities.
4. In litigation, where your mental health is an issue, your therapist may be subpoenaed to court and required to reveal the status of your mental health. This is extremely rare.
5. Interns and trainees are supervised by Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists. As a part of their supervision, client cases are discussed in group and/or individual supervision. Client files may be reviewed by the supervisor and supervisees. Client confidentiality is maintained in supervision and file review.
6. Also, occasionally professional consultation between this therapist and other practicing therapists is sought in the diagnosis and treatment of clients to ensure the highest quality treatment. When this occurs, every effort will be made to protect the identity of the client.
7. If you are referred by a physician or other health care professional, it is professional courtesy to maintain contact, as necessary, with that referral source. That may be done, unless you request otherwise. Additionally, permission is granted for electronic correspondence. The potential risk, no guarantee of confidentiality, is understood and electronic communication (i.e. emails, text messages and voice mail) is willingly allowed.