Confidentiality
To ensure a secure and supportive atmosphere where students can openly express their thoughts and emotions, all counseling and consultation services will remain confidential. Our staff do not reveal to third parties if a student has made use of our services and does not divulge the details of therapy sessions to anybody outside the counseling center without the student’s expressed written agreement. This confidentiality also applies to any UMW staff members and parents, regardless of whether the student is financially dependent on them or who made the referral.
Sometimes students are reluctant to seek counseling because they worry that they might face university disciplinary action if they reveal behavior that violates UMW policies or honor code (e.g. underage drinking, use of illicit substances, etc.). Our highest priority is the health and safety of the students, and we will inquire about the use of substances, as these impact the mood, health, and overall feeling of well-being. We do not become involved with the student disciplinary process and we do not report honor code violations.
Our written documents are also subject to the standards of confidentiality. The Talley Center maintains its own independent HIPAA complainant record system and case files are only accessible to authorized counseling center staff. The Talley Center does not include our records in any University of Mary Washington central records system, nor does it share them with any other departments or offices.
Limits to Confidentiality
The Commonwealth of Virginia statutes, the ethical guidelines of the American Psychological Association, and the American Counseling Association mandate certain restrictions on confidentiality. Under certain circumstances, these guidelines allow us to share information without the student’s consent. These circumstances include:
- An individual is in eminent danger of harming themself or others
- An individual is unable to consent to treatment due to significant mental impairment, resulting in inability to care for self or protect self from harm.
- Student records are subpoenaed by a legitimate court order.
- A staff psychologist or counselor has reason to suspect that a minor (under age 18) is being abused or neglected. State law requires that mental health professionals make a report in this situation.
Any of our staff members can answer your questions about these or any other aspects regarding confidentiality.