Clients of the Office of Counseling Services have the right to professional counseling services consistent with the American Counseling Association’s Code of Ethics. Information shared with your counselor is held in strict confidence and limits to confidentiality are addressed below. Without written consent, your counselor will not disclose to anyone that you are receiving counseling or the content of sessions.
If you are over 18 years of age, this confidentiality agreement also means that the Counseling Staff cannot communicate with your parents without your signed consent and without reason to communicate with your parent(s). Counseling records are kept separate from educational and student health records. All services are in accordance with State laws. Exceptions to this confidentiality for the purpose of assuring high-quality service delivery include case reviews in clinical supervision and peer consultation.
Limits to Confidentiality
- Duty to warn “When a client’s condition indicates that there is clear and imminent danger to the client or others, the licensed counselor must take reasonable personal action or inform responsible authorities” (ACA Code of Ethics, Section B.2.a).
- When the abuse of a child/elder is suspected.
- When disclosure is made necessary by court order signed by a judge.
Please note that e-mail is not a confidential medium for communication. Because we are concerned about protecting your privacy, Counseling Services staff does not use e-mail to discuss your clinical concerns.