Legally and ethically counselors in Maryland are required to keep all information shared confidential with the following exceptions:

· If your therapist believes you are a danger to yourself or to someone else

· In the case of abuse to an elderly person, handicapped person, or a child

· If the release of confidential information is court ordered by a judge

· In the case of an medical emergency

· If you desire to seek reimbursement from a managed care company, the disclosure of confidential information may be required for reimbursement

· These rights are waived if accusations of misconduct are brought

Even under the above circumstances, only the essential information will be revealed, and your counselor might attempt to inform you before confidentiality is breached.

Mental health counselors are required to follow the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). This will be further elaborated by your therapist prior to receiving services. Generally speaking HIPPA protects a person’s health information.

For more information about HIPPA visit https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/index.html

Confidentiality and Privacy

Rising Summit Counseling has a 24-hour late cancelation policy. We ask that you give at least 24 hours’ notice if you are unable to attend a session. In the event that you miss your appointment or notify us with less than 24 hours before your appointment, you will be responsible for the full fee of the missed session. If consistent late cancellations or no shows occur you may lose the agreed upon time and day of regular session. Please DO NOT use email when canceling within 24 hours, as we cannot maintain 24/7 access to email. If you are unable to attend your appointment because of an emergency please contact us as soon as you are able via phone.

Appointments and Cancelations

Rising Summit Counseling is NOT a crisis service. For emergencies call 911 or go to your nearest hospital emergency room.

To connect with a crisis counselor call or text 988 or text “HOME” to 741741.

Emergencies

Rising Summit Counseling utilizes a HIPPA-Compliant telehealth platform that is designed to protect your rights to confidentiality. In situations when a person cannot access internet or a computer, the phone can be used for Telehealth, but know that we cannot promise confidentiality while on a phone.

Telehealth