FAQ - Confidentiality

Confidentiality

Is it Confidential?

  • As professional counsellors, we are bound by strict rules of confidentiality. As a result, we rarely provide detailed information about a student’s situation and cannot confirm if they are a client with our office.
  • We cannot speak to your friends, parents, teachers etc. without your permission. If you would like us to share information with other people, such as an academic advisor or doctor, you must give us written permission.
  • You have the right to change your mind and revoke that permission at any time.

When is it not Confidential?

Your counsellor is legally bound to break confidentiality if they believe:

  • You are in imminent danger of harming yourself
  • You will harm another person
  • A child is being abused, neglected or is a witness of abuse
  • A dependent adult is being harmed or abused
  • If your record is subpoenaed

What if you need to contact me?

During your first visit you will complete our intake form. On that form you can indicate if it's okay for our office to contact you via phone or email. If it is, we may contact you in these ways.

  • Phone - If our receptionist is phoning you, the number will come up as blocked on your phone. If your counsellor is contacting you from their direct line, their name and extension number may appear on your phone.
  • Email - Please be aware that email is not completely confidential. Any email received or sent to your counsellor will be printed out and kept in your file.

What is a Release of Information Form?

By signing this form you are authorizing Counselling Services to release information about you or your situation to a specific recipient.

  • To another agency for referral purposes
  • To your counsellor to enable them to discuss your situation with another individual or agency

Note: Others may not be bound by the same confidentiality rules as U of L Counselling Services. If you have any concerns about the nature of information being shared please discuss it with your counsellor. You have a right to see any letters written by your counsellor before they are shared with other agencies or departments.