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Confidentiality Statement
Nature of Services
This office offers
psychotherapy, personal and career counseling, and psychological
assessment services for enrolled students using individual, couples, and
group formats. While there are a number of different approaches that can
be used to address a client’s issues, it is preferred to use approaches
that have been supported through scientific research. Specific information
about the type of therapy/counseling to be used will be discussed between
you and your counselor. Information about alternative treatment options
that may be available will be shared with you. You should evaluate this
information along with your own opinion about whether you feel comfortable
working with a particular counselor. Should you have any doubts or desire
a different approach to address your issue(s), you will be assisted in
finding an appropriate referral to another mental health professional.
Duration of Services
Sessions are available by
appointment, and vary in duration dependent upon client needs and
circumstances. The typical number of sessions also varies depending on the
nature of the presenting issue(s). The first session is typically devoted
to evaluating your current issues and needs. This will be followed by a
recommended course of therapy or a plan designed to respond to your
individual situation along with a diagnosis (if appropriate). The results
of the assessment and your plan will be addressed with you, and you will
be given an opportunity to ask any questions that you may have. Generally
students are referred to an outside resource provider if long-term
services are needed.
Limitations of Services & Assumption of
Risks
Counseling can carry both
benefits and risks. Often, counseling can lead to a significant reduction
in feelings of distress, improved relationships, and/or resolution of
specific issues. However, there are no guarantees for a “cure” or
improvement of any condition. Risks may involve experiencing uncomfortable
feelings (i.e. sadness, guilt, or anxiety) or discussing unpleasant
aspects of your life. However, you do have the right to reframe from
discussing any matters that may cause you to become distressed.
Confidentiality
In accordance with ethical
guidelines, what you discuss with a mental health professional is kept
confidential. Your written permission will be required to release
information to other parties (i.e. spouse, family members, or outside
institutions). In an effort to maintain professional standards, your
counselor may discuss specifics of your situation with other mental health
professionals as part of consultation to ensure that appropriate services
are provided to you.
There are circumstances where information
can be released without your consent or authorization. These include:
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If you are
at risk of being a threat or danger to yourself, a mental health
professional is permitted to release information necessary for the
purpose of your protection (such as contacting family members or seeking
hospitalization)..
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If an
immediate threat of physical violence against a readily identifiable
victim is disclosed, your counselor may take action, which may include
notifying the potential victim(s), notifying the police, or seeking
hospitalization.
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If abuse or
harmful neglect of children, the elderly, or disabled/incompetent is
known or reasonably suspected, your counselor must file a report with
the appropriate state agency.
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In the event
a client decides to bring a malpractice suite against the counselor, the
client’s record will be admitted as evidence in court.
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In court
proceedings a judge may require the mental health professional’s
testimony and client’s record if he/she determines this is necessary to
resolve the issues before the court.
The laws concerning confidentiality can be
quite complex. While your counselor is willing to discuss these matters
with you, he/she is not an attorney. If you have specific legal questions,
it is advised that you speak with an attorney.
Supervision
Familiarity with the training,
licensure, and supervision status of a counselor is an important matter
and should be known by the client. If you have any questions with regard
to such, please ask. In the event that your counselor is in training or in
an internship status, the Director of Counseling or their designee will
provide appropriate supervision.
Maintenance of Records
Your electronic and/or hardcopy
records are stored within the Office of Student Services and are treated
as confidential records. These files are accessible by your counselor and
the office’s paraprofessional staff. TAMUG CIS maintains the security of
electronic files. In accordance with public law, records are maintained
for approximately seven years, after which, they are permanently
destroyed.
Given that records may contain information
that could potentially be misinterpreted by someone who is not a mental
health professional, it is a general policy that clients are not provided
with copies of their records. If you request, you will be provided a
treatment summary unless your counselor believes that it would be harmful
to do so.
Cancellation of Appointments
In the event that you need to
cancel an appointment, it is expected that you will provide a notice
twenty-four hours in advance. While every effort will be made to
reschedule you with the earliest available appointment, this may not be
until the next regularly scheduled session time due to the obligations of
your counselor.
Client Rights
It is expected that your
counselor will treat you with respect. This respect is conveyed by
maintaining professional standards of conduct as a counselor and by
discussing any concerns or questions that you may have.
You have the right to terminate counseling
services at any time. However, determining when you should end services is
part of the process of counseling. It is expected that you will discuss
any decision to end services with your counselor, rather than ending the
process abruptly.
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