Confidentiality is a very important legal, ethical, and my promise to you. Fortunately, Kentucky law (and APA Ethics) protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission. However, there are three major exceptions to confidentiality:

• Suspected child abuse, elder abuse, or domestic violence, which I am required by law to report to the appropriate authorities immediately.
• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
• If a client intends to harm himself or herself, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety without hospitalization. However, if they do not cooperate, I will take further measures in order to ensure their safety.