Confidentiality and Mental Health
Everything you share with an SHS Mental Health Therapist is confidential, including the fact that you have received therapy. We place a high priority on protecting your privacy and confidentiality. Except for the limited exceptions described below and in our Confidentiality document, no identifying information—written or otherwise—about your contact with SHS Mental Health Services will be disclosed to anyone outside of SHS Mental Health Services without your written authorization.
This includes academic and staff departments, other campus entities, friends, and family. In other words, no one will know what you discuss with your therapist unless you choose to share that information.
(If you are under the age of 18, please call for information about our confidentiality policy.)
The main exceptions the confidentiality can arise when:
- You state intent to harm yourself or someone else.
- You report current abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult or child.
- There is a court order, or if you or your attorney discuss your mental state as a defense in a criminal or civil action.
Our Confidentiality document provides greater detail on these policies including some other technical exceptions. Should you have questions about confidentiality, please feel free to discuss this with us.