USI » Counseling Center » Confidentiality

Confidentiality

All the counselors of the Counseling Center are professionals who adhere to the ethics of the field of counseling and maintain rigid standards of confidentiality. Confidentiality is also required by law. Confidentiality is the unspoken agreement between the counselors and students who seek services, and dictates that we maintain the private nature of shared information. We understand that confidentiality is very important because you're not apt to share "hidden secrets," personal concerns, or problems if you believe that information will be revealed to others or used against you. We cannot divulge information shared in your counseling sessions or verify you have sought our services to anyone, including your parents or the person who referred you here, without a written Release of Information form signed by you.

It is very important you understand that confidentiality is not absolute, and there are a number of circumstances when confidentiality must be violated; this also is required by law. We have a duty to warn and protect whenever:

You threaten to harm yourself or commit suicide.
You threaten harm to others.
There is evidence of child abuse or neglect.

However even in these instances, we use professional judgment to decide when the circumstances justify violating confidentiality and will seek the safest solution possible for you, before we notify anyone.

8600 University Boulevard - Evansville, IN 47712-3596 - 812/464-8600

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