Client Rights

You have the right to a confidential relationship with your counselor, within certain legal limits (see #3 below). Unless the legal limitations apply, information revealed by you during the course of counseling will be kept completely confidential and will not be revealed to any person without your written consent.

I may take notes during sessions, and will produce other notes and records as required by California law regarding client services.

You, as the client, have the right to submit a written request for a copy of your records to be released to the person or agency you specify. Your counselor has the right by California law to provide a services summary in lieu of actual records.

If you make such a written request, I may need to caution you that releasing the information might not be in your best interest.

Under certain legally defined situations, California law requires me to reveal information to other persons without your written consent. I am not required to inform you of these actions if this occurs. These legally defined situations include:

• Child Abuse or Neglect, revealed or observed. Or if a perpetrator is in contact with minors and there is reasonable suspicion that he/she may still be abusing minors.
  
  
• Physical Abuse or Neglect of a Dependent Adult or Elder, revealed or observed.
  
  
• If you seriously threaten harm or death to another person, I am required to warn the intended victim and persons likely to suffer the results of harmful behavior and to notify the appropriate law enforcement agencies.
  
  
• If you are in counseling by order of the court or are being tested by order of the court, the results of the treatment or tests ordered must be revealed to that court.
  
  
• If a court of law issues a legitimate subpoena, and after verifying that the subpoena meets all requirements, I am required by law to provide the information specifically described in that subpoena.
  
  
• If you are in a lawsuit claiming emotional harm, the opposing side may subpoena your counseling records. After verifying that the subpoena meets all requirements, I am required by law to provide the information specifically described in that subpoena.
  
  
• If you indicate you intend to harm yourself, I may need to involve other potential helpers.
  
  
• If you are a minor, to your parents – if they request in writing. However, if this does occur, your counselor will make every attempt to inform you of their written request and have you present (if you would like) when information is provided.
  
  

You have the right to ask questions about any of the procedures used in the course of your counseling.

Should you choose not to enter counseling with me, upon your request you will be
provided with names of other qualified professionals.

You have the right to terminate counseling with me at any time without any financial,
legal, or moral obligations other than those you’ve already incurred. I request that you notify me of this decision.