University Counseling and Testing Center
Policy on Confidentiality
The faculty and staff of the University Counseling and Testing Center are committed to maintaining confidentiality in counselor/client communications as prescribed by professional ethical standards (American Psychological Association, American Counseling Association, and National Association of Social Workers) and legal requirements. A commitment to confidentiality is deemed essential to create an environment in which clients, in the context of a therapeutic relationship, can share their most personal and private concerns without fear of revelation.
CASE RECORDS
Information disclosed to a counselor may be summarized in a counseling record. This material is confidential and accessible only by professional counseling staff involved in the treatment of the client, and appropriately trained support staff employed by the Center. Case records are the property of the Center, but can be reviewed by the client under the supervision of a counselor.
RELEASE OF INFORMATION
Information about treatment and/or clinical record material can be released upon client request with the submission of a duly processed Release of Information Form. Careful consideration should be given, by the client, to the release of any treatment information. It is recommended that clinical treatment records be released only to appropriate mental health/medical professionals.
CONSULTATION AND SUPERVISION
Counselors must occasionally consult with other Counseling Center staff members to provide quality treatment services. Student trainees working in the Center are regularly supervised by senior staff members. Case material may, therefore, be reviewed by other Counseling Center professionals, who assume the same obligation of confidentiality required of the counselor or student trainee providing treatment. If a consultation is required of the counselor outside of the Center a release of information must be obtained before any communication takes place.
LIMITS TO CONFIDENTIALITY
There are circumstances under which confidential treatment information may be disclosed. Record material can be subject to subpoena by court order or released in relation to certain other legal actions. Laws in the State of Michigan require counselors to report to the proper authorities incidents of abuse or neglect of children in your care, threatened violence against self or others and situations in which one is unable to care for him/herself.