Article X
Confidentiality
 
10.1.    The Counselor protects the confidentiality of the communications with her Client.  The Counselor will not voluntarily divulge that she is in a counseling relationship with the Client without the Client’s written permission, unless required to do so by a court order.  There are some situations in which the Counselor is legally obligated to breach the Client’s confidentiality in order to protect others from harm, including;

1. If the Counselor has information that indicates a child, elderly or disabled person is being abused; the Counselor must report this information to the appropriate agency, and
2. If a Client is an imminent risk to him/herself or makes threats of imminent violence against another person; the Counselor is required to take protective actions.
3. If the Counselor deems it necessary to confer with the pastor or another Biblical Counselor.
   
   

10.2.    If any counseling sessions are conducted in videoconference or in “face to face” groups, the Client agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all information communicated to him or her by other counseling clients and by the Counselor.  The Counselor also understands that progress is often enhanced when clients discuss their counseling relationship with trusted colleagues and friends.  Clients may have these discussions but are expected not to share any information that would allow other members of the group to be identified.
 
10.3.    Both Counselor and Client understand that it is impossible to completely protect the confidentiality of information, with is transmitted electronically or by cell phone.  This is particularly true of e-mail, texting and information stored on computers connected to the internet.  It is therefore incumbent upon both parties to this agreement to exercise caution and discretion when using electronic means of communications to discuss confidential matters.