You and your therapist should discuss the type of counseling you will get; the methods or techniques that might be used; the therapist's education, training and experience; and the cost of counseling sessions. The counselor must give you written information that explains these topics, let you read the information, and have you sign a statement that you've received it.

If you have concerns about being dependent upon your counselor, talk to him or her about it. Remember, you are going to that person to seek assistance that helps you learn how to control your own life. You can and should ask questions if you don't fully understand what your counselor is doing or plans to do.

• The right to ask questions about the qualifications and experience of your therapist.

• The right to ask questions about anything related to your counseling and to expect an honest discussion of your concerns.
  

• The right to refuse a particular treatment method. Your therapist may feel that a particular treatment method is essential to your therapy, and this must be resolved to your mutual satisfaction.

• The right to ask your therapist to discuss your progress and future counseling plans with you at any time.

• The right to have any testing results explained and discussed with you. You also have the right to refuse testing, but your therapist may feel that this is essential to your progress. This must be resolved to your mutual satisfaction.

• The right to request referral to another therapist, or agency. Please discuss this with your therapist if this is an issue for you.

• The right to terminate therapy at any time. Since termination is an important part of counseling, it will be helpful to you to inform your therapist that you wish to terminate and to discuss your reasons for doing so.

• The right to be respected as a human being.

• The responsibility of taking an active role in the counseling process.
  

• Keeping appointments punctually and regularly, or calling 24 hours in advance if possible to cancel and/or change an appointment.

• The right to seek consultation with other counselors/psychologists who are members of the University of Washington Counseling Center staff.

• The right to terminate therapy or refer to another therapist. When a therapist feels that her/his services will not be appropriate, he/she may, after discussing these concerns with you, decide to terminate therapy and/or refer you to a more appropriate individual or agency.

Confidentiality
Your counselor cannot disclose any information you've told him/her during a counseling session unless:

• You give written consent;

• You bring charges against the person registered or certified under the law;

• You are, or your dependent child is, a danger to yourself or others;
  

• The information involves the abuse of a child, developmentally disabled person, or dependent adult. Therapists are required to report such incidents to authorities;
  

• The client is a minor and the information acquired by the counselor indicates that the minor was the victim of a crime.  The counselor may then testify at any proceeding where the crime itself is the subject of inquiry; and your psychologist or counselor is required by a court to disclose information.
  

     Department of Health
     Professional Licensing Services
     Counselor Registration/Certification
     1300 SE Quince Street, Box 7869
     Olympia, Washington 98504

If you want more information about the law regulating psychologists, or want to file a complaint, please write to:

     Department of Health
     Board of Psychology
     P.O. Box 47869
     Olympia, Washington 98504

Or, call (360) 236-4910, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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