Confidentiality

For the purpose of providing a safe and encouraging environment where students can freely share their ideas and feelings, all counseling and consultation services are kept private. This indicates that our staff respects the confidentiality of students who are requesting assistance, does 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 express written agreement. This confidentiality also applies to any UMW staff members and parents, regardless of whether the student is financially dependent on them.

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.). The counselors on staff are clinicians, and our highest priority is the health and safety of the students. We will inquire about personal habits, such as 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. Confidentiality remains applicable, subject to the limitations outlined below.

Our written documents are also subject to the standards of confidentiality. Although the counseling center maintains case files, only authorized counseling center staff have assess to these records. They are not included to any central records kept by the University of Mary Washington, nor are they shared with any other departments or offices. But confidentiality isn’t always guaranteed. Certain restrictions on confidentiality are mandated by the statutes of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the ethical guidelines of the American Psychological Association, and the American Counseling Association. Under certain circumstances, information may be shared without the consent of the student. These circumstances include:

A student is in danger of harming themself or others or is unable to engage in appropriate, basic self-care.
A student has been referred for and agreed to an evaluation under applicable university procedures in which case the results of the evaluation will be shared with the student and the university administrator requesting the evaluation (usually the Dean of Student Life).
Student records have been 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.