Privacy and 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.
Limits to Confidentiality
Insurance
or managed care companies sometimes request copies of
psychological reports, treatment plans, and test results,
and 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.