Confidentiality Policy

The issues of confidentiality are paramount. As counselors, we work to respect a student's trust and keep session information private by restricting access to records or information. Creating a trusting environment by respecting student privacy encourages honesty on the part of the student and helps create a safe, trusting environment for the process of psychotherapy. Within the Counseling Service, we may discuss students in a supervisory setting, but information will not be given to anyone outside the Counseling Service without a student's Formal Consent or permission - except in one circumstance. Law and professional ethics require us to intervene when in our judgement there is imminent risk of danger to harm self or others, for example, suicide, assault, and child or elder abuse. In emergencies, when someone is physically at risk, confidentiality must take second place; however, we would discuss the alternatives with you before taking any action that might breach confidentiality.