This notice describes how mental health/medical information may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review it carefully.
Mental health information is confidential except in situations involving dangerousness to self and/or others, mistreatment of a minor or elder, or situations requiring emergency intervention. Under these circumstances, relevant authorities, other treatment personnel, and/or family members can be contacted to facilitate necessary interventions.
The confidentiality rights for a client under 18 are not as complete as those for adults. Certain information regarding physical health is protected, but parents/guardians have a right to know if their child is at risk for self-harm, harm to others, or demonstrating a serious substance abuse problem or mental illness that puts them at risk and/or requires immediate intervention. Non-custodial parents retain a right to request a review of their child’s records.
Information identifying you and/or your diagnosis and type/dates of service are typically required by your insurance company to access your benefits. Some companies require additional clinical data to maintain your authorization for covered services. Any other disclosure of confidential information is made only with your written authorization which you also have a right to revoke. You have the right to request reasonable accommodations in standard practices (for instance, to what address billing statements are sent, at what telephone number messages can be left) to further protect your privacy.
You have the right to inspect and copy your health information and amen such information. However, psychotherapy records are by law excluded from this privilege and can be inspected or copied only if the therapist and/or SPS feel this is warranted. The therapist/SPS may also decline a request to amend any records. This denial can be appealed.
For a six-year period from the date this notice is signed, you have the right to receive an accounting of any disclosures made from your records. Disclosures after the termination of psychotherapy that you do not authorize occur only under rare legal circumstances. You have a right to have a copy of this Privacy Notice. Any complaints requiring SPS compliance with this Notice can be directed to the therapist, the owner(s) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
SPS staff and counselors are legally mandated to maintain the privacy of your protected health information and to abide by the terms of this Notice. You have a right to be informed of any revision of this Notice that substantially changes your protection or SPS obligation.
By clicking the “I Accept” box below, you are agreeing to the conditions stated above, and understand that by confirming, you are submitting your electronic consent.
I have read and understand this Notice, and I accept the terms stated above.