The therapist is generally not allowed to disclose information regarding the client to persons outside Taylor Psychotherapy Associates without the client’s written consent. Within Taylor Psychotherapy Associates, such information is limited to a “need to know” basis (e.g. for supervision, case consultation, emergency coverage, billing, etc.). There are some specific exceptions to the general confidentiality rule as follows:

1. Some insurance companies require access to records, especially diagnosis, duration of treatment, etc. If you are using insurance to pay for your services, they may have the right to review your records.
2. Information from sessions with younger children (age 14 and below) cannot be withheld from the child’s legal guardian.
3. If the therapist obtains information that specific children are in a potentially high risk situation regarding abuse from a specific person, the therapist is required to report the details of that situation to the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services or Child Protective Services.
4. If the therapist obtains information indicating that a client is likely to seriously harm themselves or others, the therapist is required to contact appropriate authorities with information as needed to assist in securing that situation.
5. Typically we will obtain consent to speak to other medical professionals involved in your care. There may be situations requiring some urgency in the contact where we will communicate regarding your case without your written consent – you will be notified at our next session of any such contacts, and a written consent sought. Such sharing of critical medical information is allowed by state and national privacy standards.
6. In certain legal proceedings (e.g. child custody cases), the courts can order the release of client information to the courts and attorneys.