Your information is protected by confidentiality rules for mental health counselors and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) passed by congress.

You can request that your information be shared with others by providing a signed release of information form. A form will be provided upon request.

If health insurance is used to help pay for services please understand that certain information, such as the diagnosis, has to be provided to the insurance provider for the claim to be processed. At times the insurance provider may require further clinical information to process the claim. This sharing of information is allowed by HIPAA.

If you pay for service out-of-pocket you can ask that information not be shared with your health insurer since insurers do share this information with other insurers and may affect your insurability in the future.

If you have given someone medical power of attorney or if someone is your legal guardian that person can exercise your rights and make choices about your health information. The person claiming this authority will have to document that authority before any action is taken.

There are certain situations in which your information can be shared. For instance, if abuse or neglect is suspected this must be reported to the proper authorities. The Texas law states that a report be made on suspicions not necessarily confirmed issues. Information about you can also be released in response to a court, administrative order or in response to a subpoena.

Should you feel your rights have been violated please discuss the issue with your provider. However you may also file a complaint with the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. They can be reached at 1100 W. 49th St., Austin, Texas 78756 1-800-942-5540.