Confidentiality & Privacy Policy
The law protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission.
Exceptions include:
- Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse, for which we are required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, we must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
- If a client intends to harm himself or herself, we will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in insuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, we will take further measures without their permission that are provided to us by law in order to ensure their safety.
Litigation Limitations: Due to the nature of the therapeutic process and the fact that it often involves making a full disclosure with regards to many matters which may be of confidential nature, it is agreed that should there be legal proceedings (such as, but not limited to divorce and custody disputes, injuries and lawsuits,etc.), neither you (client) nor your attorney's, nor anyone else acting on your behalf will call on Harshaw, Smith Psychotherapy Services, LLC., to neither testify in court or at any other proceeding, nor will a disclosure of the psychotherapy records be requested. Summaries of treatment and diagnostic assessments may be requested with a payment of a fee.
