CONFIDENTIALITY
What you say here, stays here — and the few times it can't
Confidentiality is the foundation of therapy, and it's protected by law. It also has limits, and you should know exactly what they are before your first session rather than after.
What's protected
What you share in session is confidential and protected under both state law and HIPAA, with narrow exceptions described below.
The limits
Your therapist may need to act, without your permission, when:
-
There's a risk of serious harm to yourself or someone else.
-
There's suspected abuse or neglect of a child or a vulnerable adult.
-
A court orders the release of records.
Your therapist will tell you when they have to act on any of these, and will involve you in it wherever possible.
What insurance companies receive
Insurers typically receive a diagnosis, dates of service, and sometimes a treatment plan — not session content.
Records and how to request yours
Describe the practice's records-request process
Couples and family records
Who holds privilege in joint sessions varies by situation.
Minors and parents
Confirm Maryland's minor-consent statute with compliance review before publishing specifics — do not draft this from memory
Substance use records
Where applicable, substance use treatment records carry additional federal protection under 42 CFR Part 2.
How virtual sessions are secured
Telehealth sessions are conducted over an encrypted, HIPAA-compliant video platform.
A note on email and text
Please don't send clinical information by regular email or text — use the secure channels described on our contact page.