Is therapy confidential?

Yes, our conversation is confidential. Your right to privacy is protected by state law. I can’t report any crime you tell me about. If your family call here I will not admit that I know who you are. If I see you in the market, I won’t say hello unless you do. That way you don’t have to explain to anyone how we know each other.

But there are limits to your legal protection, and here’s what some of them are.

This is a rough guide, not written by a Californian lawyer. If you think you need professional advice on these matters, please get it now. After talking to me it will be too late.

Child abuse, elder abuse, dependent adult abuse
If you give me reason to suspect that abuse has happened, I will report what I know to my local family services office.

Suicide
If I believe you are currently suicidal, I will act to protect your life.

Danger to yourself or others
If I suspect you are dangerous to yourself or others or to property, I will act to avert the danger. Also, if I hear you make a clear threat to harm any person, I will warn them and I will warn the police.

Court action
If you are involved in a court case where you choose to draw attention to your mental status, I can be called to say what I know about it.

This is a rough guide, not written by a Californian lawyer. If you think you need professional advice on these matters, please get it now. After talking to me it will be too late.