Privacy Notice

What is confidential vs private?

"Confidential" information is protected information. "Private" information is not necessarily confidential. The law protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist, and confidential information cannot be disclosed without written permission, with a few very important exceptions. For example, when you request providers file bills with your insurance, you authorize the release of specific information to the insurance company like a diagnosis, treatment provided, etc. Providers will explain to every family the difference between confidentiality and privacy.

Written permission is not needed to disclose information under the following circumstances:

• In the case of suspected child abuse, dependent adult, or elder abuse, providers are required by Texas state law to report their suspicions to the appropriate authorities immediately.
• If a client intends to harm self, providers will make every effort to enlist the client's cooperation in ensuring their safety. If the client refuses to cooperate with these efforts, providers will take the necessary measures, as allowed by health and safety laws, to ensure the client's safety.
• With some exceptions, Texas state law designates parents/guardians as the primary holders of their minor child's confidentiality until that child reaches the age of majority, at age 18 years. Unless you, as the parent, have obtained legal guardianship or conservatorship over your adult child, all rights to consent for services and patient confidentiality and privacy will, upon their eighteenth birthday, transfer to your child.

Will someone tell me what my child said?

If your child is a minor, you have the absolute right to be involved with your child's therapy, and our providers will ensure you are aware of what your child has been working on. However, it is important to keep in mind that your child may not open up, and will not engage in a trust-based relationship if we divulge all the details of their sessions. Also, therapy is not always fun (remember that growth happens through challenges — like learning to walk or ride a bike), so parents should refrain from asking their child questions like, "Did you have fun?", "Did you have a good time?", or "What did you talk about?" Sometimes conversations and lessons in therapy are challenging or difficult, and questions like this can retrigger those emotions. Let your child share with you on their terms, if they choose to do so.