Duty to Warn and Protect. If a client discloses intentions or reveals a plan to harm another person, the therapist is required to warn the intended victim and to report this information to legal authorities. If a client discloses or implies a plan for suicide, the therapist is required to take steps to ensure the client's safety, including notifying legal authorities and the client's family members. 

Abuse of Children and Vulnerable Adults. If a client states or suggests that he or she is abusing a child or a vulnerable adult or has recently abused a child or a vulnerable adult, or if a child or a vulnerable adult is in danger of abuse, the therapist is required to report this information to legal authorities and to appropriate social services.

Prenatal Exposure to Controlled Substances. The therapist is required to report admitted prenatal exposure to controlled substances that are potentially harmful.

Records of Minors. Parents or legal guardians of minor clients have the right to access the client’s records. More details about limits of accessible records due to the client’s age and appropriate laws will be discussed during the first visit.

Insurance Companies and Other Third Party Payers. Insurance companies and other third-party payers sometimes request information regarding services provided to the client. Information they may request includes, but not limited to: types of service, dates/time of services, diagnosis, treatment plan, description of a presenting problem, progress of therapy, case notes and summaries.  Note that if a client is referred for services by an organization he works for, the client’s employer may request information pertaining to the client’s case since the employer is a party who requested services. In such case, an explanation about confidentiality limits will be given to the client before starting therapy.

Worker’s Compensation Claims. If a client files a worker’s compensation claim, and the therapist renders treatment or services in accordance with the provisions of Illinois Workers’ Compensation law, the therapist must, upon appropriate request, provide a copy of the client’s record to the client's employer or his/her appropriate designee.

Complaint/lawsuit. If a client files a complaint or lawsuit against the therapist, the therapist may disclose relevant information regarding that client as it may be necessary to defend him/herself.

Therapy for Minors and Custody. As protected by law, minors have certain rights to privacy. Parents and legal guardians may inquire about the minor’s diagnosis, therapeutic prognosis and treatment plan at any given point in the therapeutic process. Upon reaching 12 years of age, the minor’s privacy is extended to protect the content of information discussed in sessions. However, regardless of the minor’s age, the parent or legal guardian will be informed in case of a risk of suicide, self-injurious behavior, or a homicidal intent.