Confidentiality

ALL discussions with Ms. Neese will remain confidential. Ms. Neese will not give out any information about you to your employer, parents, friends, or others without your written permission except in circumstances described below. If you are under eighteen (18) years of age, Ms. Neese reserves the right to advise your parent(s) or legal guardian about developments that could significantly affect your health or well-being. In such situations, the contents of specific meetings between you and Ms. Neese will not be discussed, but your overall progress may be discussed in general terms.

Exceptions to Confidentiality

There are certain, specific situations in which your confidentiality is overridden. Ms. Neese is required by law to report any statements of child or elderly abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities. Further, if you make statements that indicate you intend to harm yourself or others, Ms. Neese is required by law to notify medical and/or law enforcement. If you are involved in a criminal case, a judge may order Ms. Neese to turn over your file to the court. You must give signed permission before Ms. Neese can share any facet of your counseling with anyone. If you give Ms. Neese written permission, you will have the right to designate who should receive information from your file, what information they are allowed to receive, the intention for which they will use the information and the period of time during which you are granting the permission. Examples of circumstances requiring a release of information include: certain inquiries from insurance companies, a new counselor wanting to use records from a previous counselor to provide continuing care, and collaboration with another agency or professional in your treatment. Ms. Neese may consult and seek supervision with a mental health professional regarding your assessment and care. This consultation is free of charge to you. Any identifying information (to protect confidentiality) will not be revealed. All consultants are legally bound to maintain confidentiality.

Counseling a Minor

The information obtained from a minor through the provision of counseling is confidential and will not be shared without the written consent of the minor’s parent(s) or legal guardian except for the following reasons: a). there is an imminent danger to your child; b). your child reveals information about mental or physical abuse; and, c). A court orders the counselor to release the information. Information contained in your child’s records will not be released to a third party other than in circumstances described above unless you give written consent for release.

Referrals

There are some mental health-related services that Ms. Neese may be unable to provide. In these cases, Ms. Neese assists clients with referrals. The referral process often requires sharing of information and completion of paperwork.