Confidentiality is important to Fresh Start Counseling and to all of its clients. The guidelines for HIPPA, the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, and the American Counselors Association Code of Ethics are followed by all clinicians and staff members. The therapist is told what the client chooses to tell him or her. At all times, the client is in control of what is said. References to any client or his or her family will be coded to ensure anonymity. 

Otherwise, we cannot disclose any information outside of the treatment context without written authorization from all individuals competent to sign such authorization. Verbal authorization will not be sufficient except in emergencies. We cannot release to an attorney any information about either or both spouses we have seen for marital therapy without signed authorizations from both spouses. 
When working with various family members, the information given by one person in private cannot be shared with another family member unless all individuals involved give their written permission. Again, there are certain legal exceptions to this, as already noted.

Material revealed in counseling will remain strictly confidential except when:

​

1. The client signs a written release of information indicating formal consent of such release;

2. The client expresses intent to harm self or  someone else;

3. There is a reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect against a minor child, dependent adult or elderly person age sixty-five or older;

4. Material from our session is used in clinical  supervision while carefully protecting your identity and;

5. A court order is received directing the disclosure of information. A subpoena is not a court order and not sufficient for release. Certain types of litigation, such as child custody suits, may lead to the court-ordered release of any and all information without your consent.