Effective Date: July 1, 2024

Understanding Privacy and HIPAA regulations is essential for safeguarding patient information.

I ensure the security of your notes and records using HIPAA-compliant methods. Physical files are stored in a locked briefcase and a secure file cabinet. Protecting your privacy and complying with HIPAA is a top priority in my practice. In the future, I may switch to a HIPAA-compliant online record-keeping software called “My Best Practice.” If I make this change, I will inform you. Furthermore, for email communication, I use a password-protected personal computer. However, I encourage you to avoid sharing personal information through email that you wish to keep fully confidential, considering Privacy and HIPAA regulations.

No client information is shared electronically without your consent. I strictly follow Privacy and HIPAA guidelines to keep your data secure. Since I do not accept insurance, I will not share any session information with insurance companies.

If we run into each other in public, I won’t initiate contact to protect your confidentiality under Privacy and HIPAA guidelines. However, you are welcome to speak to me first if you wish—that decision is entirely up to you.

Everything shared in our counseling sessions remains confidential, with some exceptions outlined below. I won’t discuss any identifying information about you with anyone outside of the counseling space, except for my clinical supervisor, Dr. Margaret Eichler, PhD, and peer supervision attendees. If it’s necessary to disclose information for therapeutic purposes, I will only do so when it benefits your care. However, certain circumstances require limits to confidentiality according to Privacy and HIPAA.

Here are the limits of confidentiality as defined by Oregon law:

• Reporting suspected child, elder, or vulnerable person abuse (e.g., individuals with disabilities)
• Sharing information required in court proceedings
• Reporting imminent danger to self or others
• Case consultations with a clinical supervisor (as mentioned)
• Defending claims made by a client to the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists or in legal proceedings

Right to Refuse Services

You have the right to discontinue counseling at any time. Regardless of this decision, your privacy and HIPAA protections remain in place. If you experience challenges within the therapeutic relationship, feel free to discuss them with me. I can also provide referrals to other clinicians if you need a better fit.

Risks and Benefits of Counseling

Choosing to engage in therapy can feel uncomfortable, especially at first. For some people, things might get more difficult before they improve. Counseling often opens new perspectives and helps you gain deeper understanding and wisdom. Balancing Privacy and HIPAA protections throughout this journey can offer peace of mind. However, it’s up to you whether to continue therapy or to take the risk of doing nothing to address your challenges.

Termination of Services

Counseling services will be terminated if any of the following occur:

• The client makes serious threats or harasses the counselor
• The client chooses to end services for personal reasons
• The client and therapist mutually agree to end services
• The client requires a referral to a different provider to better meet their needs, ensuring continued Privacy and HIPAA compliance
• The client has not attended a session or contacted me for 30 days, or misses three appointments without a valid explanation