Patient Rights
This was taken from a typical outpatient handout given to patients upon their first visit to a therapist. It was not written by me. Ask your own therapist if they have something similar.
- To participate in developing an individual plan of treatment.
- To receive an explanation of services in accordance with the treatment plan.
- To participate voluntarily in and to consent to treatment.
- To object to, or terminate, treatment.
- To have records protected by confidentiality and not be revealed to
anyone without my written authorization.
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Confidentiality may only be broken under the following conditions (state
laws will vary):
- If the therapist has knowledge of child or elder abuse.
- If the therapist has knowledge of the client's intent to harm oneself or others.
- If the therapist receives a court order to the contrary.
- If the client enters into litigation against the therapist.
- To have access to one's records.
- To receive clinically appropriate care and treatment that is suited to their needs and skillfully, safely, and humanely administered with full respect for their dignity and personal integrity.
- To be treated in a manner which is ehtical and free from abuse, discrimination, mistreatment, and/or exploitation.
- To be treated by staff who are sensitive to one's cultural background.
- To be afforded privacy.
- To be free to report grievances regarding services or staff to a supervisor.
- To be informed of expected results of all therapies prescribed, including their possible adverse effects (eg.- medications).
- To request a change in therapist.
- To request that another clinician review the individual treatment plan for a second opinion.
