Confidentiality and Privacy

The entire staff at CAPS takes students' privacy very seriously, and our personal and professional ethics guide us in ensuring that the services students receive here remain confidential.  Information revealed in counseling, even the information that you have made an appointment, is not disclosed to others unless you provide written authorization for that information to be released.

The exceptions to this practice are:

1) When a counselor believes you present an imminent danger to yourself or others.

2) When a counselor believes the life or safety of a readily identifiable third person is endangered.

3) When a counselor believes that a child or vulnerable adult is being subjected to abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

4) When disclosure is made necessary by legal proceedings.

The entire staff at CAPS operates as a team when we provide services to students.  To provide effective and up-to-date services, our individual counselors sometimes consult with with one another about our work with students. However, we all maintain the same allegiance to confidentiality described here to protect your privacy.

E-MAIL POLICY: Because of this commitment, CAPS has established a policy of no e-mail regarding clinical issues or appointments with students due to the lack of security available when communicating via e-mail. Furthermore, staff differ in how often they check email, and it is important that students not rely on e-mail as a means of trying to contact CAPS for counseling or consultation about mental health concerns.  We rely on more traditional ways of communicating -- the telephone or stopping by in person. We hope you understand.