Confidentiality

Trust is essential to the therapeutic process. For counseling to be effective, clients must feel confident that the information they share with Counseling and Consultation Services (CCS) will remain strictly confidential. All information shared during your sessions, and any records kept (whether written or electronic), will be protected under State and Federal law, as well as by ethical standards. No information about your sessions with CCS will be released to anyone outside of CCS without your written consent.

However, there are a few legal exceptions to confidentiality. As required by Illinois law, counselors must report any suspected child or elder abuse to the appropriate authorities. Additionally, if a counselor believes that a client poses a risk to themselves or others, they are obligated to take necessary action. Finally, if a client uses their counseling records in a legal proceeding, CCS may be required to disclose relevant information. In all cases, your counselor will discuss these matters with you before taking any action.

As part of your mental health care, CCS maintains records detailing your mental health history, symptoms, assessments, diagnoses, treatment plans, and future care recommendations. This information is crucial for planning your care. For the sake of providing you with the best possible service, members of your treatment team may consult with each other regarding your situation