About Confidentiality
In general, the law protects the
privacy of all communications between a student and a counselor.
Therefore the Counseling Center can only release information about
our work with students if there is a written consent from the
student. There are, however, a few exceptions where disclosures may
be required by law. For example:
- If we believe that a child, elderly person or disabled person
is being abused, we may be required to file a report with the
appropriate state agency.
- If we believe that a student in counseling is threatening
serious bodily harm to another person, we may be required to notify
the potential victim or contact security or the police
department.
- If a student in counseling threatens to harm him or herself, we
may be obligated to seek hospitalization or to contact family
members or others who can provide protection.
- If a college employee is sexually harassing a student we will
notify the appropriate sexual harassment officer of the
college.
- Finally, a court ordered subpoena might require us to release
information contained in records or require a counselor to testify
in a court hearing.