Mental Note Should I Say This in Therapy? Understanding Confidentiality and Informed Consent with Maria Ortiz and Dr. Zoe Ross-Nash
Aug 12, 2025
Maria Ortiz, a licensed mental health counselor specializing in eating disorders, and Dr. Zoe Ross-Nash, a clinical psychologist with expertise in trauma, dive into the complexities of therapy confidentiality. They discuss when therapists must break confidentiality, the significance of informed consent, and how clients can navigate trust and uncertainty in therapy. The duo emphasizes the ethical responsibilities of therapists and the importance of open communication, ensuring clients feel safe to express themselves without fear of repercussions.
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Revisit Informed Consent Often
- Ask your therapist to re-explain informed consent whenever you need a refresher so you know benefits, risks, and confidentiality limits.
- Request clarity on state-specific reporting rules and what would trigger a disclosure.
Confidentiality Is A Clinical Judgment
- Therapists use clinical judgment and a risk gradient when deciding to breach confidentiality for harm or abuse.
- The decision depends on intent, plan, access, and imminence of danger.
Scope Your Release Of Information
- Limit releases of information (ROI) to only what is relevant and necessary for the treatment team to avoid oversharing.
- Specify ROIs (attendance, meal-plan adherence, finances) to retain control over sensitive details.