The law protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission. However, certain exceptions apply which permit or require a therapist to disclose information.
Exceptions include:
- Suspected child abuse, dependant adult abuse, 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 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.