Confidentiality

COUNSELING is a confidential process designed to help you address your concerns, come to a greater understanding of yourself, and learn effective personal and interpersonal coping strategies. It involves a relationship between you and a counselor who has the desire and willingness to assist as you accomplish your individual goals. Counseling involves sharing sensitive, personal, and private information that may at times be distressing. During the course of counseling, there may be periods of increased anxiety or confusion. The outcome of counseling is often positive; however, the level of satisfaction for any individual is not predictable. Your therapist is available to support you throughout the counseling process.

CONFIDENTIALITY:

All interactions with the Counseling Center, including scheduling of or attendance at appointments, content of your sessions, progress in counseling, and your records are confidential. No record of counseling is contained in any academic, educational, or job placement file. You may request in writing that the counseling staff release specific information about your counseling to persons you designate. Complete records are maintained for seven years.

EXCEPTIONS TO CONFIDENTIALITY:

• The counseling staff works as a team. Your therapist may consult with other counseling staff to provide the best possible care. These consultations are for professional purposes and are confidential.

• If there is evidence of clear and imminent danger of harm to self and/or others, a therapist is legally required to report this information to the authorities responsible for ensuring safety.

• Michigan state law requires that staff of the Counseling Center who learn of, or strongly suspect, physical or sexual abuse or neglect of any person under 18 years of age must report this information to county child protection services.

• A court order, issued by a judge, may require the Counseling Center staff to release information contained in records and/or require a therapist to testify in a court hearing. Efforts will be made to contact and to obtain permission for the release of this information.

Understanding the risks and benefits of counseling, the nature and limits of confidentiality, and what is expected of you as a client is an essential part of the counseling process.