As part of any counseling relationship, confidentiality is a foremost concern. This document serves as an understanding and agreement between you, the counselee and Rev. Matthew Hogan as Grace for Individual and Family Therapy.
Any information that you share or even the fact that you are receiving counseling is strictly protected by ethical and legal standards.
However, there are a few circumstances where confidentiality not only may, but must be broken and appropriate authorities must be notified. These include, but are not limited to:
A reasonable belief that there is clear and imminent danger to you or someone else
If there is a reasonable expectation that you will engage in dangerous conduct
Any reasonable suspicion that a child or elder is currently being abused
A court order
To share any information beyond these conditions, a written and signed information release must be on file.
Within reason, your information is protected. However text, email and any online counseling are all vulnerable to hacking, etc. and confidentiality cannot be strictly guaranteed. These services are not mandatory, however they can greatly enhance the counseling relationship. When using electronic communications, an attempt will be made to minimize the sensitive information discussed to further protect your privacy.
