PENNSYLVANIA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONFIDENTIALITY
In general, the privacy of all communications between a client and a Psychologist is protected by law. I can only release confidential information about the content/evaluations of sessions to others with your permission.
However, the following exceptions to confidentiality apply:
If you threaten to harm or kill yourself, I am obligated to ensure your safety, which may include contacting your family members or others who can help provide protection or hospitalization for you.
If you threaten to hurt, kill, or cause serious bodily harm to another individual(s), I am required to take protective actions. These actions may include: notifying the potential victim(s), contacting the police or other authorities, contacting family members, and seeking hospitalization for you.
If there is a life-threatening emergency, where your (or your child’s) life or health is in danger and I cannot get your consent, I may give another person information to protect your life. I will try to get your permission first, and I will discuss this with you as soon as possible afterwards and try to get retroactive consent.
If I have reason to suspect based on my professional judgment that a child is or has been abused, or if anyone tells me of any identifiable child who is currently being abused even when I do not see the child in my professional capacity or if anyone over the age of 14 tells me that he/she committed child abuse, even if the victim is no longer in danger, I am mandated to report to the authority or government agency vested to conduct child abuse investigations (i.e., including taking, viewing or distributing child sexual abuse material).
If I have reasonable cause to believe that an older adult or vulnerable adult is in need of protective services (regarding abuse, neglect, exploitation, or abandonment), I am mandated to report to the local agency which provides protective services for adult and domestic abuse.
If you are involved in a court proceeding and a request is made about the professional services I have provided you or the records thereof, such information is privileged under state law, and I will not release the information without your written consent or a court order. The privilege does not, however, apply when the evaluation is mandated by a third party or court ordered. You will be informed in advance if this is the case.
If you file a lawsuit against my office or file a complaint with the state licensing board, I will be required to release your confidential medical records to the lawyers and/or licensing board in my defense.
I am required by law to file a report with The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) for any client 15 years old or older, who has a condition that could impair his/her ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. PennDOT is responsible for any investigation and/or action related to driver’s licensing.
Confidentiality and privacy are not guaranteed of email/text communications, as they may not be secure.
Occasionally I may need to consult with other behavioral health professionals, also bound by confidentiality, in areas of expertise to provide the best treatment. Information about you may be shared in this context without using your name or other personal identifying information. Also, if we should accidentally see one another outside of session, I will not acknowledge you in order to ensure your right to privacy and confidentiality. If you choose to acknowledge me first, I prefer to keep the interaction brief as to not jeopardize your privacy.