Spencer Psychology

Treatment of Children and Adolescents

Privacy Issues for Minors

Therapy is most effective when a trusting relationship exists between the therapist and your child. Privacy is especially important in earning and keeping that trust. As a result, it is important for children to have some privacy where they feel free to discuss personal matters without fear that their thoughts and feelings will be immediately communicated to their parents. This is particularly true for adolescents who are naturally developing a greater sense of independence and autonomy.

It is our policy to provide you with general information about your child’s treatment, but not to share specific information your child has disclosed without your child’s agreement. This includes activities and behavior that you would not approve of — or might be upset by — but that do not put your child at risk of serious and immediate harm. However, if your child’s risk-taking behavior becomes more serious, then the therapist will use professional judgment to decide whether your child is in serious or immediate danger of harm. If your therapist feels that your child is in such danger, this information will be given to you. The therapist will encourage your child to tell you, and help your child find the best way to do so, often during a session together. (You can also always give your child’s therapist a scenario, and ask if that issue would be disclosed should it occur.)

General Requests for Treatment Records

Although Indiana law may give parents the right to see written notes we keep about your child’s treatment, we request that you allow your child or teen some privacy in their meetings with the therapist. We ask that you not request your child’s written treatment records for yourself or for an attorney. We may opt to discontinue treatment if you do, as children frequently decline to disclose any further information in sessions once they know that their parent will be reading the notes. We encourage you instead to schedule parent update sessions with your child’s therapist to discuss any concerns or to receive progress reports.

Custody/Parenting Time Litigation Requests for Treatment Records

When a family is in conflict, particularly conflict due to parental separation or divorce, our responsibility to your child may require helping to address conflicts that impact your child. However, the therapist’s role will be strictly limited to providing treatment to your child.

Payments



Child Name:

Electronic Signature of Client/Parent/Guardian:

Date: