The law protects the relationship between a client and a psychologist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission.
Exceptions include:
Suspected child abuse, dependent adult or elder abuse. I am required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
If a client intends to harm oneself, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they are not able to cooperate, I will take further measures without their permission that are provided to me by law in order to ensure their safety. This may include enlisting the support of listed emergency contacts and seeking further evaluation via Hospital ER. In cases where I need to act without a client’s permission only information absolutely pertinent to ensuring their safety will be disclosed.