April 2017 Is everything I say in counselling confidential?

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All information shared in our counselling sessions is confidential and will not be disclosed to anyone without your permission, except where law requires disclosure, for example:

 

1. It is subpoenaed by a court; or

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2. Failure to disclose the information would place you and/or another person at risk; or

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3. Your prior approval has been obtained to discuss this information with another person.

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As a mandatory reporter, there are some situations in which I am legally obligated to take action to protect others from harm. If I have a reasonable belief that a child is at serious risk of harm, I must make a report to Child Protection Services.

 

I have a moral and ethical responsibility to report the abuse and neglect of vulnerable people, such as clients in nursing homes or clients with a disability. If I assess that a vulnerable person is at risk, I will file a report with the appropriate agency or contact family members or others who can help provide protection.

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If I believe that a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another, I am required to take protective actions. These actions may include notifying the potential victim, contacting the police, or seeking a hospital admission for my client. If I believe that a client is at serious risk of harm from another, I may also take protective actions.

 

If a client makes a serious threat of harm to himself/herself, I may be obligated to seek a hospital admission for them and/or to contact family members or others who can help provide protection.

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