How does confidentiality work?
Confidentiality between a mental health provider and a client means that whatever you tell your provider stays between you and your provider. Even the fact that you are meeting with a provider is confidential. If you want anyone to be able to communicate with your provider about your treatment or for your provider to share your records, you will need to sign a release of information first. Your provider will have this document and can help you fill it out.
There are very few exceptions for when a provider is legally obligated to break confidentiality. Providers are obligated to share these at the outset of treatment. They vary by state, but most commonly include:
● Imminent danger to self or others: If a provider believes that you are in imminent danger of harming yourself or someone else, they will contact the police or other authorities to ensure that you and others are safe.
● Abuse of a child or vulnerable adult: If a provider believes that a child or an adult who is unable to care for themselves is being abused, they will call your local child and family protective agencies.
● Records are court ordered: If your records are court ordered, your provider will do what they can to continue to protect your confidentiality, and often negotiate with the court to only release certain information. In some cases, they may not have a choice except to release your entire record or to testify. These cases are rare and you will typically know before you seek treatment if a court order may be issued (e.g., child custody case).
If you need more assistance, feel free to reach out to our Support team at support@miresource.com.
There are very few exceptions for when a provider is legally obligated to break confidentiality. Providers are obligated to share these at the outset of treatment. They vary by state, but most commonly include:
● Imminent danger to self or others: If a provider believes that you are in imminent danger of harming yourself or someone else, they will contact the police or other authorities to ensure that you and others are safe.
● Abuse of a child or vulnerable adult: If a provider believes that a child or an adult who is unable to care for themselves is being abused, they will call your local child and family protective agencies.
● Records are court ordered: If your records are court ordered, your provider will do what they can to continue to protect your confidentiality, and often negotiate with the court to only release certain information. In some cases, they may not have a choice except to release your entire record or to testify. These cases are rare and you will typically know before you seek treatment if a court order may be issued (e.g., child custody case).
If you need more assistance, feel free to reach out to our Support team at support@miresource.com.
Updated on: 07/11/2023
Thank you!