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First responder privacy

Who finds out?

How you get here doesn't change how I treat your privacy. Whether you contact me yourself, use insurance or an EAP, or come through another route, I don't treat the therapeutic relationship differently based on who is paying.

If a third party requires limited information for payment, authorization, or documentation, I will explain that to you. If information needs to be shared beyond ordinary administration of your care, we will discuss the appropriate authorization or applicable confidentiality exception.

I use my department’s EAP

An EAP may require limited administrative information.

The same confidentiality principles apply when an Employee Assistance Program helps arrange or fund support.

Who I talk to

You and I remain responsible for the therapeutic relationship. Depending on the particular program, the EAP may handle eligibility, authorization, billing, attendance, or other benefit administration.

What they’re told

An EAP may require limited information for eligibility, authorization, billing, attendance, or administration of the benefit. The specific requirements depend on the program, so I will explain them before services begin and eligibility still needs to be verified.

What they are never told

Using an EAP does not automatically mean your employer receives information about your therapy. I do not communicate clinical information to an employer or department without an appropriate authorization or release from you, unless an applicable legal or ethical exception requires or permits disclosure.

The exceptions — the situations where I’m legally required to act

If information needs to be shared beyond ordinary administration of the benefit, we will discuss the appropriate authorization or applicable confidentiality exception whenever circumstances allow.

This page provides general information, not legal advice. Requirements can vary by arrangement and situation.

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Questions about privacy?

Susan Rhoads, MSW, LCSW · Peaceful Healing, LLC

(417) 414-0869