Confidentiality & Privacy Policy
The law protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission.
Exceptions include:
- Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse, for which I am required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
- If a client intends to harm himself or herself, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they are unable to cooperate, I will take further measures without their permission that are provided to me by law in order to ensure their safety.
Communicating with family members and friends: Information cannot be disclosed without your express written permission. If family members or friends contact Dr. Herbst they are allowed to communicate their concerns or observations to Dr. Herbst but he cannot answer their questions about the treatment without your permission. When family members do wish to become involved in treatment and you agree with this, Dr. Herbst will usually find it most helpful to have everyone meet together, so that you are aware of anything he says to a family member and to prevent misunderstangs later.