Andrea Gladstone, Ph.D.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is key to building a trusting relationship with in therapy. Psychologists are bound to confidentiality and so generally, what is said between you will remain confidential. Your diagnosis and treatment plan will be shared with your insurance company to ensure coverage. There are a few legal exceptions:

• If a psychologist believes a client is an immediate and serious threat to themselves (e.g., suicidal) or others (e.g., homicidal), they have a duty to intervene and may need to disclose information to prevent harm. This is often referred to as the "duty to warn" or "duty to protect"

• Psychologists are mandated reporters, meaning they are legally required to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect, and in some cases, elder abuse or abuse of vulnerable adults.

• ​If a court issues a subpoena or other legal order requiring the release of information, the psychologist must comply. This can occur in legal proceedings where a client's mental health is relevant