This notice describes how psychological information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review it carefully.
9/2/92
Psychologists and counselors are bound by New Jersey State Law, the American Psychological Association and/or American Counseling Association ethical guidelines, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA, 1996) to maintain confidentiality and to insure the privacy of oral, written, and electronic mental health information. Although Counseling and Psychological Services is not what is termed a “covered entity,” we follow the best practices incorporated into the obligations imposed by HIPAA by controlling the disclosure and dissemination of confidential mental health information.
Confidentiality:
A Psychologist/Counselor must preserve the confidentiality of information obtained from a client in the course of teaching, practice (therapy/counseling), or research. This means that all communications between a client and psychologist are protected by law and cannot be released to anyone, within or outside the university, without your written consent. The exceptions to this rule have to do with the psychologist’s belief that you are likely to harm yourself or another, the psychologist has reasonable cause to believe that a child has been or will be abused, or, in some judicial proceedings, if a court orders that your records be obtained. In addition, in order to provide you with the best possible professional help, your psychologists/counselors are in supervision. Your counselor’s supervisor is also bound to maintain strict confidentiality.
How We Maintain Your Privacy:
Counseling and Psychological Services is required by law to maintain the privacy of all information received during the course of therapy, testing, group sessions, teaching, and research, which are considered confidential. We will not release any information obtained in these ways without your written permission. This includes information transported via fax and email. In addition, our records are kept double locked in a secure location in the Counseling Center. No one, except your counselor and the director of the center, has access to these files. Your records are maintained separately from your academic records. Your files are never shared with anyone, in or out of the University.
Permissible Uses and Disclosures without Your Written Authorization:
We are responsible for maintaining your privacy and confidentiality. However, there are times when we do not need written authorization to disclose information to the appropriate people concerning the following:
- If there is clear and imminent danger to an individual or the public or when there is cause to believe that there is a likelihood of danger to a person or persons.
- If there is clear and imminent danger or likelihood of danger to yourself. It is University policy to notify parents, guardians, or next of kin if a suicide attempt is made.
- If there is reasonable cause to believe that child (person under the age of 18 years) has been subjected to acts of abuse (physical, sexual, or emotional) or if there is reason to believe that these acts will occur.
- If, in the case of judicial hearings, the court issues a subpoena and court order for your records or your counselor’s testimony.
- If, in the case of violations of the rules, regulations, or orders of the Board of Psychological Examiners, the Board may subpoena and court order your counselor as a witness and/or the production of documents or other information.
If you are in counseling with us, all our counselors receive supervision and, therefore, share information with their supervisors. Supervisors are governed by the same laws regarding confidentiality as are the counselors.
Disclosures and Changes to Your Mental Health Information:
Just as we are committed to maintaining your privacy and confidentiality, we also want to help you manage your confidential information and disclosures in the most effective way. You, as a client of Counseling and Psychological Services, have the right to:
- Request restrictions. You have the right to state, specifically, what information you would like disclosed to another person, facility, organization, etc., with your written permission, as well as what you would like restricted. Information that you would like disclosed would be stated on your signed consent form.
- Revoke authorization. If you have given us written permission to reveal information about you to a third party, you have the right to revoke that agreement at any time, except to the extent that we have already taken action on it.
- Amend. If you are concerned that the information that we have about you is incorrect or incomplete, you may ask us to amend the information. Speak with your counselor if you would like to request an amendment. We may deny the request if the information was not created by us, is not part of our records, is not part of the information which you would be permitted to inspect or copy, or which we deem to be accurate and complete. If we deny your request, we will advise you in writing, and you have the right to file a written statement of disagreement. We have the right to prepare a written rebuttal, with a copy to you.
- Inspect and copy. You have the right to inspect information that may be used in decisions regarding your treatment. We will copy certain documents for you that are appropriate to your treatment or success at Drew. We reserve the right to charge a fee for the costs of copying, mailing, or other supplies needed to fulfill your request. A request to inspect or copy would be made of your counselor. You may not inspect or copy your counselor’s psychotherapy notes.
- Determine the sending of communication of confidential information. If you would like confidential information regarding your case sent to any person, organization, institution, etc., you have the right to decide how the information will be sent, for example via face-to-face contact, phone, email, hard mail, or fax. You may request this of your counselor.
- Complaints. If you have a complaint about our services we encourage you and you have the right to express a complaint to your counselor or the director. This can be done in person, by phone, by email, by mail, or through the end of the year evaluations. You may also send your complaint to the Dean of Educational and Student Affairs. No client will be retaliated against for filing a complaint.
- Paper copy of this notice. You have the right to a paper copy of this Notice of Privacy Practices at any time.
The mission of Counseling and Psychological Services is to help students function more effectively in the Drew community. We are here to assist you in your personal, social, and academic development and the achievement of your life goals. We care about our clients’ privacy and pledge to protect your confidentiality. If you have any questions regarding the safeguarding of your confidential information or any of our services, please contact us at x3398.
