Limits of Confidentiality
Counseling services provided by the Counseling Center at SAU are confidential. No information can be shared with another party without the written consent of the student/client. It is the policy of this office not to release any information about a student/client without a signed release of information. There are exceptions to this as follows:
Duty to Warn and Protect
When a client discloses intentions or a plan to harm another person, the counselor is required to warn the intended victim and report this information to the legal authorities. In cases in which the client discloses or implies a plan for suicide, the counselor is required to notify legal authorities and make reasonable attempts to notify the family of the client.
Abuse of Children and Vulnerable Adults
If a client states or suggests that he or she is abusing a child (or vulnerable adult) or has recently abused a child (or vulnerable adult), or a child (or vulnerable adult) is in danger of abuse, the counselor is required to report this information to the appropriate social service and/or legal authorities.
Court Orders
Counselors are required to release records of students/clients when a court order has been issued for such records.
Email Policy
E-mail is not a confidential form of communication. In order to ensure confidentiality and protect your privacy, clinical services cannot be provided through email. All clients are encouraged to contact the Counseling Center for scheduling, confirming, and canceling appointments.
