LIMITS OF CONFIDENTIALITY
With few exceptions, applicable Federal and State laws protect the confidential relationship between a patient and a psychotherapist, and we cannot, and will not, disclose any personal information about a patient without the patient's, or his or her representative's written permission.
Lawful exceptions to confidentiality include:
1. When a patient or someone else's report leads us to suspect past or present abuse or neglect of children or older adults (aged 65-years old or older), or dependent adults (in conservatorship) - A report will be made to the proper authorities, including Child Protective Services, Adult Protective Services, and law enforcement, as applicable.
2. If the psychotherapist has reason to suspect from the patient's report, or the report of a close family member, that the patient is seriously in danger of harming, or has threatened to harm, another person - We are required to report this to the proper authorities and to attempt to warn the intended victim(s).
3. When a patient, as a result of a mental disorder, is a danger to others or to himself or herself, or gravely disabled - We are required to attempt to preserve the safety of the patient. This may include contacting the patient's family or designated personal contact, police, and/or hospitalization of the patient.
4. If ordered by a court of law to provide information. This does not include receipt of a subpoena. In the case of a subpoena, unless ordered by the court to release the information, we will need your or your representative's written permission to do so.
5. To fulfill contractual requirements with third-party payors, such as insurance carriers, California Victims of Crime Program, and other such programs.
6. To protect ourselves if the patient, his or her representative, or his or her estate bring legal action against us.
Please note: The Federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) specifies that health care providers do not need a patient's signed authorization to release Protected Health Information (PHI) for the purposes of "treatment, payment, or health care operations" ("TPO").
PRIVACY POLICY
The Federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), and as later amended, requires mental healthcare providers to inform you about their policy regarding the preservation of your privacy.
With few exceptions, based on applicable Federal and State laws regarding your confidential information, we cannot, and will not disclose Protected Health Information (PHI) without your or your representative's written permission.
As pertains to your PHI, HIPAA specifies that health care providers do not need a patient's signed authorization to release PHI for the purposes of "treatment, payment, or health care operations" (TPO). For additional information on HIPAA, please refer to: https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/index.html
You are entitled to view your PHI during normal business hours (by appointment). You may also be entitled to receive a copy or summary of your PHI (applicable fees may apply). To do so you must make your request in writing, and send it to our Primary location in Torrance (2790 Skypark Drive, Suite 205, Torrance, CA 90505). For additional specific exceptions pertaining to our disclosure of your PHI, please refer to our Informed Consent form (available in all office locations) and our Limits of Confidentiality (see above), which lists applicable California State and Federal limits to confidentiality.