Privacy & Confidentiality
Confidentiality & Privacy Policy
Motivations Counseling respects the privacy of clients seeking therapy, EMDR therapy, immigration psychological evaluations, ESA evaluations, career assessments, and related services.
The relationship between a client and psychotherapist is protected by law. Information shared in therapy or evaluation services is not disclosed without written permission except in specific circumstances required or permitted by law.
General Confidentiality
Your Privacy Matters
In most situations, information shared with your therapist or evaluator remains confidential and cannot be released without your written authorization.
Written permission may be required before we can communicate with attorneys, physicians, schools, family members, employers, apartment managers, universities, or other third parties.
Important Exceptions
When Confidentiality May Be Limited
There are specific situations where therapists may be required or permitted by law to disclose information without written permission in order to protect safety or comply with legal obligations.
Suspected Abuse or Neglect
If there is suspected child abuse, dependent adult abuse, elder abuse, or neglect, therapists may be required by law to report concerns to the appropriate authorities.
Threats Toward Others
If a client communicates a serious threat of bodily harm toward another person, therapists may be required to take steps to protect the intended person and notify appropriate authorities.
Risk of Harm to Self
If a client is at risk of harming themselves, the therapist will make efforts to support safety. If the client is unable or unwilling to cooperate with safety planning, further action may be required by law.
Legal or Court Requirements
In some circumstances, records or testimony may be requested through legal processes. If this occurs, we will respond according to applicable law and professional ethical obligations.
Communication with Others
Releases of Information
If you want Motivations Counseling to communicate with another person or organization, such as an attorney, doctor, school, spouse, parent, employer, or other professional, you may be asked to complete a written release of information.
A release of information helps clarify who we may speak with, what information may be shared, the purpose of the communication, and how long the authorization remains valid.
Therapy Services
Counseling records are treated as confidential clinical information. Therapists generally cannot confirm attendance, discuss treatment, or release records without proper authorization unless an exception applies.
Immigration Evaluations
Immigration evaluation reports may involve communication with an attorney only when the client authorizes that communication. We do not provide legal advice or legal conclusions.
ESA Evaluations
ESA evaluation information is handled as confidential clinical information. Documentation is only provided when clinically appropriate and authorized according to the evaluation process.
Telehealth Services
Telehealth clients are encouraged to attend sessions from a private, secure location. Confidentiality depends not only on our systems, but also on the client’s environment during the session.
Electronic Communication
Email, Text, Forms & Online Communication
Motivations Counseling may use phone, text, email, online forms, client portals, or other electronic tools for scheduling, intake, documentation, and communication.
Electronic communication may carry privacy risks. Please avoid sending highly sensitive clinical information through standard email or text unless you understand and accept those risks or are using a secure process provided by the practice.
- Do not use email or text for emergencies.
- Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room in a crisis.
- Use secure forms or portals when available for sensitive information.
- Ask our office if you have questions about how to submit documents securely.
Client Records
Clinical records are maintained according to applicable legal, ethical, and professional standards. Access to records may depend on the type of service, applicable law, and clinical considerations.
Payment & Billing Information
Billing and payment information may be used for payment processing, receipts, superbills, insurance reimbursement documentation, and related administrative purposes.
Questions About Privacy?
Contact Motivations Counseling
If you have questions about confidentiality, releases of information, records, telehealth privacy, or communication with attorneys or other professionals, our office can help.
The law protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission.
Exceptions...
- Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse, for which we are required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, we must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
- If a client intends to harm himself or herself, we will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, further measures, without their permission, are provided by law in order to ensure safety.
