One of the most important first steps when seeking therapy is to become aware of the rights you have as a patient. The therapist you decide to work with will always provide you with a copy of your rights along with a confidentiality agreement, which contains important details regarding privacy and anonymity. If you are unsure of, or in disagreement with, anything on the contract, you should discuss the terms with your therapist before or during your therapy session. You will be required to sign these documents before beginning treatment.
The following list covers your rights as a patient undergoing psychotherapy treatment:
- To request to see your therapist’ credentials and/or license
- Your therapist should be licensed in their country of origin and practice, as well as be affiliated with the appropriate regulatory entity
- To be clearly and respectfully explained patient rights and confidentiality
- To be provided details of the therapist involved in treatment, such as their name, education, specialty, and license
- To be able to participate in the development of patient’s treatment plan and individualized goals
- To be explained, in advance, the process of the therapeutic treatment
- To be able to request and obtain copies of all psychotherapy notes and assessment results from the psychotherapist or psychologist
- To receive privacy when undergoing consultations, assessments, and/or counseling
- To receive assurance that all information and records will remain confidential and undisclosed unless written authorization states otherwise
- To receive an itemized receipt detailing all the charges made to patient
- To maintain the right to consent to participate in clinical research
- To receive assurance that all information will be protected if the patient chooses to participate to any clinical research or studies
- To receive the highest quality of care regardless of race, nationality, age, sex, language, religion, social status, or origin of birth
- To terminate and discharge oneself from treatment at any time without consequence (unless treatment is court-ordered)
- To receive therapy that is free from any form of exploitation, discrimination, abuse, and ill-treatment
- To request a different therapist and be aided in finding a suitable replacement
- To be able to request and be provided with a second professional opinion on one’s treatment plan.
The law protects all communicative proceedings that take place between the patient and therapist. Patient records can only be shared or disclosed to a third-party with the written authorization of the affiliated patient. However, the confidentiality agreement between the patient and therapist may be breached in the case of the following three exceptions:
- Court subpoena
- On-going child abuse
- Suicidal/homicidal plan
