Client’s Bill of Rights

1. The right to be treated with respect and non-discrimination.

2. The right to consent to or refuse treatment.

3. The right to have your concerns addressed.

4. The right to privacy and confidentiality.

5. The right for your records and information to be kept confidential, as required by law. No information/records will be released without written permission of client or other appropriate designee.

6. The right to have a clear explanation of procedures. This includes the right to ask questions and receive answers about your condition and treatment

7. The right to leave treatment against your therapist’s advice. The therapist will not be responsible if you leave treatment against advice.

8. The right to ask for another provider, or referral.

Client-Therapist Confidentiality

Your confidentiality will be carefully guarded except for these legal exceptions:

    1.  When you disclose that you intend to harm yourself or someone else.

    2.  When you disclose that you are involved in the abuse or neglect of a child or elderly person.

• Mental health providers are legally obligated to protect you and others. This may necessitate contacting the Department of Human Services or other agencies.

• If your therapist encounters you in public, he or she will not acknowledge you unless you speak first. This is to preserve your confidentiality.