Dr. Dungan is ethically and legally required to protect the confidentiality of her clients. Information will not be shared without written permission from the client or, if the client is a minor under the age of eighteen, the client’s parent or legal guardian.

There are, however, conditions under which a client’s confidentiality is released or not protected. These include:

• Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse, for which I am required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person(s), 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 the client’s cooperation in ensuring their safety. If the client does not cooperate, Dr. Dungan will take further measures without the client’s permission that are provided by law in order to ensure the client’s safety.
• Information is released directly to the court for court-ordered evaluations or court testimony.

Please note: Insurance companies request that the client release information to them for certification of services or reimbursement.