Health and Wellness

The most important thing that students expect from SHAW, in addition to being treated with respect and concern, is that what they say will be held in confidence. We know that confidentiality is an essential part of what helps counseling work and so we strongly protect students’ confidentiality. The Informed Consent for Counseling Services and Privacy Policy Notice forms that students sign before an intake appointment outlines our responsibility for students’ confidentiality. Student’s can expect the following from SHAW staff: 

SHAW counselors maintain confidentiality in accordance with the ethical guidelines and legal requirements of their profession. In the interest of providing effective and efficient treatment, SHAW counselors may share records and communicate with each other about your treatment to provide optimal care. This extends to Associate-level counselors, registered with the California Board of Behavioral Science and master’s level trainees who practice under a therapist’s supervision and license, such as a Psychologist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. All notes created by an Associate-level counselor or master’s level trainee will be reviewed and signed by a fully licensed therapist on staff. SHAW support staff have access to records on a strict need-to-know basis in order to perform job responsibilities. In order for SHAW staff to share information about students with anyone outside of SHAW services, the student must be informed and give their permission in writing by signing a Release of Information. 

No records or information will be released from Student Health and Wellness without written consent, except under the following circumstances: 

• Reasonable suspicion that a client presents a danger or harm to self, others, or property 

• Reasonable suspicion, observation or knowledge of abuse or neglect of a child 

• Sexual exploitation of a minor (note: in CA, this includes intentional access to unlawful sexual images) 

• Reasonable suspicion or observation of abuse or neglect of an elderly person, or dependent adult. 

• Valid subpoena issued for records, or records otherwise subject to a court order or other legal process requiring disclosure. 

• Mental health issues raised by you or your attorney in a criminal or civil action, or when there is a suspicion of terrorism or special circumstances required by law.