Informed Consent & Patient Privacy
Informed consent and patient privacy are paramount principles that uphold the dignity, autonomy, and confidentiality of individuals seeking support.
Informed consent entails providing clients with comprehensive information about the therapy process, including its goals, methods, potential risks, and benefits. Therapists ensure that clients understand what to expect from therapy, their rights as clients, the limits of confidentiality, and any relevant fees or policies. Clients have the right to ask questions, express concerns, and make informed decisions about their participation in therapy.
Patient privacy, often protected by laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States, safeguards the confidentiality of clients' personal information shared during therapy sessions. Therapists are bound by strict ethical and legal obligations to maintain the confidentiality of client communications, except in certain situations where disclosure may be necessary to prevent harm to the client or others. Clients have the right to trust that their personal information will be kept secure and disclosed only with their explicit consent or as required by law.
Together, informed consent and patient privacy create a therapeutic environment built on trust, respect, and collaboration, where clients feel empowered to explore their experiences and work towards their goals with confidence in the confidentiality of their therapeutic relationship.
What does privacy mean in therapy?
Your privacy is of the utmost importance.
Everything you share with me during our sessions is strictly confidential. This means that I will not disclose any information about you or our sessions to anyone else without your explicit consent, except in certain rare circumstances.
These exceptions include situations where there's a risk of harm to yourself or others, or if there's suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult. I'm legally and ethically obligated to prioritize your safety and well-being in these situations.
I'll always discuss any necessary disclosures with you beforehand whenever possible.
How does informed consent apply to you?
Informed consent ensures that you have all the information you need to make decisions about your therapy.
Before we start, I'll explain what our sessions will involve, including the goals we'll work towards, the methods we'll use, and what you can expect from me as your therapist.
I'll also discuss any potential risks or limitations of therapy, and you'll have the opportunity to ask questions or raise any concerns you may have.
Your consent is essential every step of the way, and you have the right to decide how you want to participate in therapy.