Confidentiality and Privacy

Confidentiality is an important aspect of counseling. This means that under normal circumstances no one outside the Counseling Center is given any information — even the fact that you have been here — without your expressed written consent. Our primary goal is to provide you with a safe environment in which you feel comfortable to discuss your concerns.

The Counseling Center staff members follow the professional, legal, and ethical guidelines of the American Psychological Association and the state of Pennsylvania. As a part of our service provision, we are required to maintain confidential records of all counseling sessions. This information is not included in your academic record, and it is not available to any other office on campus without your expressed written permission.

Please note that there are a few particular circumstances in which a therapist is required to breach or "break" confidentiality including when we believe there is a serious threat to self or others; to protect children from suspected abuse; or under a court order. Your therapist will explain these situations to you during your first meeting.