|
Eastside Family Renewal Service |
|
Legal Exceptions |
|
If you inform your Practitioner that abuse or neglect of a child has taken place, or your Practitioner has a belief that abuse or neglect has occurred, he or she must report to Child Protective Services so they can investigate and/or offer services. This includes current abuse or neglect of a child, or abuse or neglect that occurred when you or someone you know of was under the age of 18 when it occurred, even if that event was in the past or the victim is currently over the age of 18. |
|
Abuse or Neglect of a Child |
|
If your Practitioner has been informed of, or has reason to believe based on professional judgment, that abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult (e.g., elderly person, developmentally disabled) has occurred or you have provided your Practitioner information about someone else who is abusing an elder or other vulnerable person(s). |
|
Abuse or Neglect of a Vulnerable Adult |
|
If your Practitioner believes that you are in imminent danger of fatally harming yourself, then she/he may legally break confidentiality and call the police or King County crisis team. Your therapist is likely to explore all other options with you before taking this step. However, if after discussion you were unwilling to take steps to guarantee your own safety, or had someone to help ensure that safety, your Practitioner would intervene. |
|
Harm to Self |
|
If you inform your Practitioner or your Practitioner has reason to believe that you will harm another person, he or she must make reasonable attempts to inform that person and warn them of your intentions as well as contact the police and ask them to protect your intended victim. If you have first hand knowledge of another’s imminent intent to threat to harm one or more persons, further reports may be required. |
|
Harm to Others |
|
Requests made for information about the work you do with your Practitioner and any records resulting from this work will not be provided for legal proceedings without a court order or your express written consent. Attorney demands or requests are not enough to break confidentiality. If you were to file a worker’s compensation claim, then information regarding your psychological condition and treatment must be furnished to the chairman of the Worker’s Compensation Board. |
|
Judicial or Administrative Proceedings |
|
It is your Practitioner’s ethical and legal obligation to share information in your health record that could identify you or others without your consent or authorization in any of the circumstances below. Remember that this is not a policy specific to Eastside Family Renewal Services. This is the law as it pertains in dealing with psychiatrists, psychologists and mental health counseling. |
|
We provide the information above to build trust and confidence in mental health services and to help ensure you have all the information you need to know, regardless of where or if you eventually choose a clinical psychotherapist. Practitioners at Eastside Family Renewal Service believe that the above exceptions regarding confidentiality need not derail your dreams of receiving treatment for you or your loved ones, regardless of your past or current behaviors. |
|
425.647.5775 |
