Are Psychological Services Private and Confidential?
Yes with the exception of some legally-mandated limits to confidentiality. Under certain conditions, psychologist’s files are not “protected”, such as if these records are subpoenaed by a judge. Under certain conditions, psychologists have an obligation to report concerns to appropriate authorities or persons; these specific limitations include if there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a child (presently under 16 years of age) is being abused or neglected, that another registered health care professional (e.g., a physician, dentist, chiropractor) has abused a patient, or that there is an imminent risk of self-harm or harm to an identified other.
Yes. However, there are legally-mandated limits to confidentiality. Under certain conditions, psychologists’ files are not “protected”, such as if these records are subpoenaed by a judge. Under certain conditions, psychologists have an obligation to report concerns to appropriate authorities or persons; these specific limitations include if there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a child (presently under 16 years of age) is being abused or neglected, that another registered health care professional (e.g., a physician, dentist, chiropractor) has sexually maltreated a patient, or that there is an imminent risk of self-harm or harm to others, As well, clients can request or consent to information-sharing with other parties, when appropriate; in these cases, written authorization will be obtained before any information is released.
