What is discussed in therapy is confidential and will not be discussed outside of sessions unless a Release of Information is signed. The exceptions to this confidentiality are as follows:
I am mandated by law to report suspected child abuse or neglect.
I am mandated by law to report to law enforcement and the intended victim when there is a clear and serious threat of homicide or intent to do serious bodily harm to another person.
I will report to a doctor or the hospital in the event of a medical emergency.
I may be required to testify in the event of a court subpoena.
Reporting imminent risk of suicidal behavior to the appropriate caretakers.
Exceptions to confidentiality will be discussed in therapy prior to reporting whenever safe and appropriate. When working with couples or families, I will not hold secrets from treatment participants to their detriment. I will work with the holder of the secret to divulge potentially painful secrets in a respectful and dignified manner.
Communication outside of sessions: I will try to return phone calls within 24 hours, if not same day. I prefer to use the phone and email mainly for scheduling of appointments or coordinating care with others. Should increased contact become necessary, we can discuss increasing the frequency of sessions per week.
Matt Carges, M.A., LMFT 