Contrary to what some may think, there is no such thing as a "record" of your mental health history that follows you from job to job like a criminal record would.  If you go to counseling in a clinic or a hospital, either place should not be legally able to say you were even there without your consent.   This should not stop your desire to run for office, to join the army, or get a top-secret job.  Even if President Bush were to come to counseling somewhere, it would have to be confidential.  

Santa Margarita Solutions Center offers counseling and psychotherapeutic services in accordance with California State Law and Ethics.  California Law requires the therapeutic relationship to be both professional and confidential.  What is revealed in this setting (what you say to us behind closed doors) is protected by legal, professional, and ethical standards such that, with a few exceptions, all material is confidential and not to be released without your written consent.   You could tell us you did horrible crimes against humanity, but as long as you do not plan to do them again, or you have not hurt a child or an elder, we cannot talk about it with anyone.

We even need to have you sign that it is okay for us to bill your insurance company and let them know your diagnosis.  As long as you pay cash, it would not need to be told.

Ethically and legally, however, if there is a reasonable possibility of harming yourself or others, then a therapist MUST inform others to protect yourself and the other person. 

If there is an emergency during your work with your therapist, or they become concerned about your personal safety, we will assess how dangerous the situation is, help you to come up with alternative ways of handling the crisis, and if you still feel the urge to hurt yourself or someone else, we will tell you that we need to call the authorities or a family member in order to help you.  Your safety is actually more important than confidentiality. 

Speaking of safety, the state of California also requires that if there is a reasonable possibility of child abuse or elder abuse occurring, this MUST be reported to proper protective service agencies immediately.  Depending on the exact circumstances, this could result in an investigation of that possibility.  Again, we will tell you if we need to call the authorities. 

Once the authorities are called, then a record is placed with the police. 99% of our clients do not need to have any contact with authorities.

Remember, the point to coming for therapy is to better your life and we are here to make you comfortable and safe.