Confidentiality and Mandated Reporting

What you share with your therapist stays confidential and cannot be disclosed without your consent. However, there are certain instances where confidentiality must be breached due to legal and ethical obligations. These exceptions are in place to protect individuals and ensure their safety. The circumstances under which your therapist must report information include:

• Suspected Abuse or Neglect: If there is a reasonable suspicion that a child, vulnerable adult, or elder is being abused or neglected, the therapist is legally required to report this to the appropriate authorities, such as Child Protective Services or law enforcement.
• Risk of Harm: If there is a credible threat that the client intends to harm themselves or another person, the therapist must take steps to prevent harm, which may involve notifying law enforcement or other relevant parties.

These exceptions are mandated by state law and professional ethical guidelines to safeguard individuals at risk. While these situations are rare, understanding them helps maintain a transparent and supportive therapeutic environment.