Confidentiality

“Psychologists have a primary obligation and take reasonable precautions to protect confidential information obtained through or stored in any medium, recognizing that the extent and limits of confidentiality may be regulated by law or established by institutional rules or professional or scientific relationship” (APA, 2017).

“Psychologists discuss with persons (including, to the extent feasible, persons who are legally incapable of giving informed consent and their legal representatives) and organizations with whom they establish a scientific or professional relationship (1) the relevant limits of confidentiality and (2) the foreseeable uses of the information generated through their psychological activities” (APA, 2017).

Unless it is not feasible or is contraindicated, the discussion of confidentiality occurs at the outset of the relationship and thereafter as new circumstances may warrant” (APA, 2017).

“Psychologists who offer services, products, or information via electronic transmission inform clients/patients of the risks to privacy and limits of confidentiality) (APA, 2017).

(a) Psychologists include in written and oral reports and consultations, only information germane to the purpose for which the communication is made.

(b) Psychologists discuss confidential information obtained in their work only for appropriate scientific or professional purposes and only with persons clearly concerned with such matters (APA, 2017).

“Psychologists may disclose confidential information with the appropriate consent of the organizational client, the individual client/patient, or another legally authorized person on behalf of the client/patient unless prohibited by law” (APA, 2017).

Psychologists disclose confidential information without the consent of the individual only as mandated by law, or where permitted by law for a valid purpose such as to (1) provide needed professional services; (2) obtain appropriate professional consultations; (3) protect the client/patient, psychologist, or others from harm; or (4) obtain payment for services from a client/patient, in which instance disclosure is limited to the minimum that is necessary to achieve the purpose” (APA, 2017).

When consulting with colleagues, (1) psychologists do not disclose confidential information that reasonably could lead to the identification of a client/patient, research participant, or other person or organization with whom they have a confidential relationship unless they have obtained the prior consent of the person or organization or the disclosure cannot be avoided, and (2) they disclose information only to the extent necessary to achieve the purposes of the consultation” (APA, 2017).

“Psychologists do not disclose in their writings, lectures, or other public media, confidential, personally identifiable information concerning their clients/ patients, students, research participants, organizational clients, or other recipients of their services that they obtained during the course of their work, unless (1) they take reasonable steps to disguise the person or organization, (2) the person or organization has consented in writing, or (3) there is legal authorization for doing so” (APA, 2017).

A unique therapeutic relationship is established when more than one person is involved. It is important that I respect and guard the confidences of each individual client. Confidentiality will be maintained for each individual if the couple/family decide to take individual therapy. I will need a written authorization to release or share any information with any family members. When providing couple, family or group treatment, I do not disclose information outside the treatment context without a written authorization from each individual competent to execute a waiver. In the context of couple, family or group treatment, I will not reveal any individual’s confidences to others in the client unit without the prior written permission of that individual.

Records: No access will be given to client's of any personal records, therapist notes, etc. Limited records will be provided only in exceptional circumstances when they are concerned, based on compelling evidence, that such access could cause serious harm to the client. Only limited individual records will be made available in couple, family or group sessions with written authorization. Client(s) will not be given permission to audio/video record any sessions. It breaks the confidentiality clause.

Sexual intimacy with current clients or with known members of the client’s family system is prohibited.

Sexual intimacy with former clients or with known members of the client’s family system is prohibited.

Psychologist comply with applicable laws regarding the reporting of alleged unethical conduct.

Psychologist do not abuse their power in therapeutic relationships.

Psychologist respect the rights of clients to make decisions and help them to understand the consequences of these decisions. Therapists clearly advise clients that clients have the responsibility to make decisions regarding relationships such as cohabitation, marriage, divorce, separation, reconciliation, custody, and visitation.

Psychologist continue therapeutic relationships only so long as it is reasonably clear that clients are benefiting from the relationship.

Trust and respect is signification in any relationship and I expect the same from all my client(s).