PRIVACY POLICY

The law protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission.

Exceptions include:

 Suspected child abuse, dependent adult or elder abuse, for which we are required by law to report 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 themselves, we will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, we will take further measures without their permission that are provided to us by law in order to ensure their safety.

Record requests:

Documentation of sessions consists of a summary of each meeting and may include general issues addressed, possible symptom presentation or change, level of functioning, mental status, diagnosis, and treatment plans. Texas law requires that I maintain appropriate treatment records for at least 5 years from the last date of service. If the client is a minor child, I must retain treatment records for 5 years from the date the child turns 18.

As a client, you have the right to obtain a copy of your records upon submission of a written authorization. The records of your treatment will contain confidential information about you. Texas law requires that all requests to review or obtain copies of your records must be made in writing. In my practice, I require that clients sign an appropriate authorization before I release any records to them.

Records of therapy can be misinterpreted and/or can be upsetting to lay readers. If you request a copy of your records, ILTW will provide them to you within 15 days of receiving the request unless I believe that to do so would endanger your life or the life of another person. If I determine that I must withhold the records due to a situation involving life endangerment, I will write a letter to you, explaining my reasons for withholding the records and your options.

I have determined that a reasonable, cost-based charge for providing you with a copy of your records will be $100.00. By law, I am not required to provide copies of requested records until the fee is paid.

Contact the Council:

Texas Health and Human Services:

https://www.dshs.texas.gov/notifiable-conditions

Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists Rules and Regulations:

https://bhec.texas.gov/texas-state-board-of-examiners-of-marriage-and-family-therapists/

File a consumer complaint with the Office of the Attorney General's Consumer Protection:

https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection