The law protects the privacy of all clients that we see. HIPAA (Healthy Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) ensures that all of your information is kept private and is not shared with other entities unless a written release form has been signed to grant permission for the center to communicate with other healthcare providers (therapists, psychiatrist, doctors, etc). We do find it helpful to communicate with these other parties when clinically necessary. In these events, we will ask you to sign a release form.

There are a few situations in which we might be obligated to take action and reveal pertinent information to the appropriate parties/authorities.

1. If your child (under the age of 18) discloses that he or she has been a victim of sexual, emotional, or physical abuse, we will have to report this to ACCYS (Allegheny County Children and Youth Services). Also, as mandated reporters, if we suspect child abuse without a specific disclosure, we will also have to report this. Please understand that we will also inform you as the parent or legal guardian if this has to occur.
2. If your child discloses that he or she is suicidal and has a plan to act on suicidal thoughts, We are legally bound to inform you as the parent as well as the appropriate authorities (911 or Crisis Center)
3. If your child communicates an immediate threat of serious physical harm to an identified victim.

Please don't hesitate to ask us any questions about this.