Confidentiality Laws for Therapists in Texas:
• Email confidentiality – I do have an encryption service on my incoming and outgoing emails. However Email communication carries an inherent risk. Please be aware that sometimes email accounts can be accessed by others. There is no way to perfectly secure email communication for privacy.
• Texas state law and the ethics of my profession require that anything you say in the context of our therapeutic relationship remains confidential. I am required by law to maintain the privacy of your physical and mental health information, and to provide you with notice of my legal duties and privacy practices with respect to your personal information.
• I participate in professional consultation and supervision groups. At times we discuss specific cases. I protect my clients confidentiality at those times by concealing their identity. For example, I do not use names, professions or other identifying information.
•Texas state law requires that information provided to mental health practitioners remain confidential, and I make every effort to ensure confidentiality is maintained with respect to all aspects of your treatment. As a client, you agree to the following exceptions to confidentiality, in which case information may be disclosed to the appropriate authorities/agencies/individuals: 1)If your therapist has reason to believe that you may harm yourself or others. 2) If your therapist has reason to believe that you are involved in or have knowledge of abuse or neglect of a child; or abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a person who is elderly or has a disability. 3) If information is ordered disclosure by a court. In addition, disclosure of information is required in the following circumstances:
4) A signed release form granting permission to designated third parties to receive information (as needed). 5) Anonymous discussion of the case with my clinical supervisor, as well as anonymous discussion with peer therapists. 6) In the case of minors, parents or legal guardians can have access to their child’s records, unless emancipated.
• Email confidentiality – I do have an encryption service on my incoming and outgoing emails. However Email communication carries an inherent risk. Please be aware that sometimes email accounts can be accessed by others. There is no way to perfectly secure email communication for privacy.
• Texas state law and the ethics of my profession require that anything you say in the context of our therapeutic relationship remains confidential. I am required by law to maintain the privacy of your physical and mental health information, and to provide you with notice of my legal duties and privacy practices with respect to your personal information.
• I participate in professional consultation and supervision groups. At times we discuss specific cases. I protect my clients confidentiality at those times by concealing their identity. For example, I do not use names, professions or other identifying information.
•Texas state law requires that information provided to mental health practitioners remain confidential, and I make every effort to ensure confidentiality is maintained with respect to all aspects of your treatment. As a client, you agree to the following exceptions to confidentiality, in which case information may be disclosed to the appropriate authorities/agencies/individuals: 1)If your therapist has reason to believe that you may harm yourself or others. 2) If your therapist has reason to believe that you are involved in or have knowledge of abuse or neglect of a child; or abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a person who is elderly or has a disability. 3) If information is ordered disclosure by a court. In addition, disclosure of information is required in the following circumstances:
4) A signed release form granting permission to designated third parties to receive information (as needed). 5) Anonymous discussion of the case with my clinical supervisor, as well as anonymous discussion with peer therapists. 6) In the case of minors, parents or legal guardians can have access to their child’s records, unless emancipated.