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Information about clients is
kept confidential among the Mental Health Center
professional staff in accordance with legal and
professional ethical requirements. No information
can be released to any outside person or agency
without written permission by the client.
However, there
are exceptions to a client’s privilege to
confidentiality that are required by law: (1)
when a client threatens or is at risk of harm to
him/herself (e.g. suicidal), (2) when a client’s
statements or actions threaten to harm others, (3)
when there is reasonable suspicion of child abuse
or neglect, (4) when there is reasonable suspicion
of abuse or neglect of a dependent adult, and (5)
when records are court ordered by a judge
compelling disclosure.
Because electronic mail (email) is
not a confidential means of communication,
information of a clinical nature will not be
discussed over email. If permission is
indicated on the Client Information Form, email
will be used to to set up or change appointment
times.
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