Privacy and Confidentiality
While we will review privacy and confidentiality in our first appointment together, it is important that before we meet that you know your confidentiality and privacy is protected.
As a counselor, I am bound by the Mental Health Services Protection Act and the Health Information Act. Why is this important? This legislation outlines your rights in regard to privacy and confidentiality. Important information outlined regarding your rights include:
The collection, restriction of access, and secure storage of your health information.
When your information can be shared.
Your rights to access these records.
And your right to withdraw your consent to the sharing of information.
When we meet, I want you to know that I am morally, ethically, and legally bound to the protection of your privacy and confidentiality, and personally believe that this security is foundational to building trust in the client-counselor relationship. Should you have questions that arise at any time I will gladly answer any of these questions to ensure you have all of the information you need to make an informed decision to go ahead with therapy.