Personal Counseling Services are confidential. This means that your involvement in counseling and the personal information you share cannot be released to anyone without your written authorization. All counseling records are kept in a locked file and do not become part of your permanent university records.

There are three specific circumstances under which it is permissible to breach confidentiality without the expressed consent of the client: if the client is in clear and imminent danger of hurting himself or herself (suicidal) or another (homicidal); if current abuse of a child or dependent adult is reported; or if client records are subpoenaed by a court of law.

There are agencies and institutions that may ask about any history of counseling or mental health treatment on their application forms (e.g. The Peace Corps, state bar associations, some medical and graduate school applications.) It is your right to evaluate the situation and decide what you want to say.

Policies regarding your right to confidentiality will be explained to you at your first session.For further questions regarding confidentiality, contact Counseling Services at 816-501-3666 or 816-501-3767.