Confidentiality is a significant
aspect of the counseling process. It ensures that your seeking
counseling will not be disclosed and the sensitive topics you discuss
will not be shared without your permission. You will not be preached at,
judged, or minimized in this process. Hopefully this type environment,
combined with our skills and experience, will provide an outlet for
improvement. However, counseling will not always be an easy process,
difficult changes may be necessary, and at times may produce discomfort.
In general, conversations between you and your counselor are
confidential. We can only release your information with your written
permission. However, there
are a few exceptions to confidentiality:
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All therapists in Georgia are obligated by law to report to the appropriate state agency suspected abuse or neglect of children, elderly persons, or persons with disabilities.
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All therapists in Georgia are obligated by law to take appropriate protective actions if a client is in jeopardy of harming themselves or others. Protective actions may consist of seeking hospitalization for the client, and/or contacting family members, intended victims, or others that can provide protection. This is a very difficult situation for the client and the counselor and rarely occurs. The positive aspect is that the laws of the state of Georgia place a premium on the safety of self and others.
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Although not obligated by law, Lanier Counseling Services and its counselors believe so strongly that intrusions to confidentiality degrade the therapeutic benefits that we require your agreement that our discussions and opinions will not be utilized for or against anyone, especially when the judicial system may be involved. The potential for sensitive or vulnerable conversations being used against someone or when situations are slanted to place someone in a more positive light for potential gain jeopardizes the potential for growth and improvement that could take place during counseling.
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When providing counseling for children and adolescents, we will make every attempt to balance the goals of the parents with establishing a safe and confidential environment for the young person to discuss their thoughts. Sharing every detail of the specific content of the young person’s discussions will harm the counseling process. They will no longer want to engage in counseling if confidences are freely shared. We will provide parents, in the presence of the child, with general information on how the treatment is proceeding and provide therapeutic recommendations for the family to consider. A clear exception is that we will inform the parents of any significant concerns we have that the young person may be in danger of harming themselves or others.
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Court orders may supersede confidentiality.
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Should you decide to utilize insurance benefits, the insurance company may exercise their right to review your information. Your insurance company makes their own decisions how your data is handled once you authorize us to provide the information necessary to make the claim. Please review our page “Regarding Insurance”.