HIPAA Rights & Limitations
The law protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist, and your personal information cannot and will not be disclosed. Nothing you discuss in psychotherapy will be shared with anyone unless you request that it be shared and give written permission to do so. There are, however, some exceptions to confidentiality.
Exceptions Include:
Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse, which the therapist is required by law to report to the appropriate authorities immediately.
If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person, the therapist must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
If a client intends to harm himself or herself, the therapist will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, the therapist will take further measures without their permission that are provided by law in order to ensure the client's safety. This may involve a violation of confidentiality.