Notice of Privacy Practices

NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES: CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT

Your privacy is a legal and ethical priority. Both federal and Minnesota state laws—as well as professional ethical codes—protect your identity as a client and the personal information shared with me during our work together. I have received training on confidentiality standards and do not release client information without appropriate consent, except in circumstances outlined by law.

As a licensed mental health professional in Minnesota, I am required to maintain the confidentiality of information obtained in the course of providing services, except under the following specific conditions:

• Licensing Board Reviews: If the Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy is investigating a therapist, it may access a client’s records only if the client provides written consent. Without consent, any identifying information must be redacted before records are shared.
• Mandatory Reporting: I am obligated to report known or suspected cases of child abuse, neglect of vulnerable adults, and prenatal exposure to controlled substances or alcohol, in accordance with state law.
• Imminent Risk of Harm: If I believe that withholding information would pose a serious, immediate threat to the safety of the client or others (including risk of suicide or harm to others), I may disclose information as needed to ensure safety.
• Legal or Regulatory Demands: In certain legal situations, records may be disclosed when required:
  • If I am named as a defendant in a criminal, civil, or professional misconduct case, I may share information relevant to the legal defense.
  • If the client is a defendant in a criminal case, and confidentiality would interfere with the right to present evidence or call witnesses, disclosure may be allowed.
  • If a government agency with oversight authority lawfully requests information as part of a regulatory review or investigation, I may be required to comply.
  • If a client reports that a healthcare provider violated professional ethical standards—such as engaging in sexual misconduct during or shortly after treatment—I am legally obligated to notify the appropriate licensing board.
• Workers’ Compensation Cases: If a client files a workers’ compensation claim, I am required to release information relevant to the case upon request to appropriate parties, including the client’s employer, insurance provider, or the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.
• Court Involvement: If you are involved in a legal proceeding and a request is made for your therapy records, I cannot release them without your (or your legal representative’s) written permission or a court order. If more than one family member is involved in treatment, a release must be signed by each individual for shared records to be released. Without that, I cannot disclose family session content.
• Minors and Parental Access: For clients under age 18 (unless legally emancipated or married), parental or guardian consent is required for ongoing therapy. Both parents must consent when they share legal custody. Parents generally have access to treatment records. However, a minor may request in writing that certain information be kept private; these requests will be discussed with the clinician. The provider may withhold records if there is reason to believe that disclosure may cause harm to the minor.
• Professional Case Consultation: At times, I may consult with colleagues or clinical supervisors to support high-quality care. When I do, I do not share identifying details, and these professionals are also bound by confidentiality laws and ethical codes.