Respecting your confidentiality is one of the Counseling Center’s highest priorities. We believe therapy is a personal matter, and maintain confidentiality to the limits provided by Texas law and per FERPA guidelines. In most cases, the only information others have about your experience in therapy is what you choose to tell them yourself. No record of receiving therapy services is contained in any academic, educational, or job placement file.
Typically, information about therapy services is only released with the student's written permission and to the parties the student approves. However, when breaking confidentiality is required, Counseling Center staff makes every effort to work collaboratively with the student while upholding ethical and legal mandates. The only exceptions to confidentiality are in cases mandated by Texas law. These exceptions include:
- Imminent danger to self or others, in which case staff contact medical and police personnel;
- Suspicion of abuse of children, the elderly, or the disabled, in which case staff contact the Texas Department of Family Services;
- Sexual exploitation of therapy clients by therapists, in which case staff contact the District Attorney in the Texas county the exploitation took place;
- Court subpoena.
In these cases, Counseling Center staff is happy to speak with you about what information will be shared, when, and with whom.
page updated 4/9/2013 10:32 AM