Privacy and Confidentiality   

Confidentiality
Professional ethics require psychologists to keep everything discussed in the strictest of confidence.  Dr. Roberson has no intention of giving out any patient or session information.  Patients may reveal anything about themselves or their sessions, but such openness is generally discouraged.  All records and any recordings are stored professionally in locked storage units.  Computer files are password protected, and transmissions are encrypted.
 
Limits to Confidentiality
When insurance is used to assist with payment for services session and evaluation, approval must often be sought, and treatment plans, records, and claims may need to be submitted to the insurance company or managed health plan.  A mental health diagnosis must be released to insurance carriers in such cases.  Patients (or parents of patients) usually sign to release such information when they buy insurance.  Also, therapists are legally required to act on behalf of any person in danger of physical or emotional harm, even if that danger is learned in confidential sessions.  For example, child abuse must be reported without delay.  Additionally, if a therapist is required to testify in court, or if records are subpoenaed, confidentiality may become quite limited.  Finally, if payments are not paid as agreed, names, addresses, phone numbers, and account information may be turned over to a collection agency or to court officials.

Also see: http://therapist.psychologytoday.com/34016