Confidentiality & Privacy Policy
The law protects the privacy of all communications between a patient and a psychologist. In most situations, Dr. Anna McCarthy can only release information about your treatment to other people if you sign a written consent for release of information form (which can be accessed on the “Forms” page of this website).
Nevertheless, there are some situations where Dr. Anna McCarthy is permitted or required to disclose information without either your consent or authorizations. Some examples include:
- If you are in imminent danger of hurting yourself
- If you make a serious threat of violence against an identifiable victim
- If, as a result of mental illness, you are unable to adequately provide for your own food, clothing, or shelter
- If Dr. McCarthy has reasonable suspicion that a minor, dependent adult, or elderly person is being harmed
- If Dr. McCarthy is subpoenaed by a court of law to provide information as part of a legal trail.
These situations arise rarely in Dr. McCarthy’s private practice. Wherever possible she would discuss the aforementioned issues with you prior to disclosing information to a third party.