Informed Consent

You have the right to be treated with respect and dignity. This includes personal individual dignity as well as human dignity.

 

You have the right to an environment which provides reasonable privacy within the parameters of the law, promotes personal dignity, and provides opportunity for active participation in your wellness journey. 

 

You have the right to receive services suited to their individual personhood. 

​

An essential part of building trust and creating a safer space for personal exploration is confidentiality, or the practice of keeping information private. Occasionally I may consult with other providers in order to provide the best treatment for you. Information about you may be shared in this context without using your name. The identity of the people I provide support to will not be disclosed unless you specifically have given me written permission in advance.  Consultation is a practice which providers use in order to gain insight from additional perspectives and skilled providers and is undertaken in order to provide the best support possible.

​

There are a few situations in which confidentiality may be broken. They are as follows:

​

1. If I determine that you are at clear and imminent risk to harm yourself or others.

2. As mandated by law, including, for example, if there is a vulnerable child or adult at risk. I am mandated to report this to the appropriate authorities (e.g. OCS, APS)

3. If a court subpoenas your records I am required to release them by law. You will be given notice of the subpoena and will have an opportunity to have the court “quash” or terminate the subpoena. Be aware that you would be responsible for taking this action as I cannot do this for you.

4. Where I am a defendant in a civil, criminal or disciplinary action and your records are part of any such action.

5. Where there is a waiver of confidentiality obtained in writing prior to such a release of information. Please be aware that if you or your attorney subpoenas me for a court proceeding or records, I will not comply unless it is by court order or with your authorization. Be aware that if you authorize my participation, you are waiving privilege and may be harmed by disclosure of your mental health records.
    

Alaskan communities are close knit and the likelihood of seeing one another accidentally outside of the therapeutic environment are high. If we see each other accidentally outside of the therapy office or virtual space, I will not acknowledge you first. Your right to privacy and confidentiality is of the utmost importance to me, and I do not wish to jeopardize your privacy. If you acknowledge me first, I will be more than happy to speak briefly with you, but feel it appropriate not to engage in any lengthy discussions in public or outside of the therapy setting.

​