PRIVACY & POLICY

Confidentiality & Privacy Policy

What you share with me in counseling is confidential. I will not share information about you without your written permission, except in the limited situations below, which are allowed or required by Oregon, Ohio, and federal law (HIPAA):

  • Safety of children and vulnerable adults. As a licensed social worker, I am required by law to report to the appropriate state agency or law enforcement when I have reasonable cause to suspect abuse or neglect of a child, an elderly person, or an adult with a disability, mental illness, or developmental disability, including people living in care facilities.
  • Serious threat to someone else. If you or someone close to you tells me of a serious threat to harm an identifiable person, I may take protective steps. These can include notifying law enforcement, warning the person at risk (or their parent or guardian), arranging hospitalization, or putting a safety plan in place.
  • Risk to your own safety. If I believe you are at imminent risk of harming yourself, I will work with you on a safety plan. If needed, I may contact emergency services, a crisis team, or a family member, or arrange hospitalization, even without your permission.
  • Legal and regulatory requirements. I may have to release information if a court orders it, if a licensing board or government agency is investigating as allowed by law, or if you bring a legal claim against me or put your mental health at issue in a legal case.
  • Minors. For clients under 18, parents or guardians generally have rights to some information. Oregon and Ohio each give teens 14 and older certain rights to consent to and keep their counseling private, and I will explain these at our first session.
  • Consultation, billing, and records. I may consult with other licensed professionals without identifying you. If you request a superbill, it includes the information your insurer needs, and you decide whether to submit it.
  • Telehealth. Telehealth sessions use a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. Please join from a private space.

Please do not send private health information through this website's contact form or by email.

My full Notice of Privacy Practices, which explains your rights and how your information is used and protected, is provided at intake. You are welcome to ask me questions about confidentiality at any time.