LAURA LEWIS, LMFT
Confidentiality
Professional ethics and Tennessee State Law indicate that confidential information is controlled by the client. This means that as a general rule, information shared in sessions with a counselor will be held in confidence.
There are two exceptions to this general rule, however. In the case of an emergency where the counselor believes a client is at risk of hurting himself/herself or another person, the counselor may breach the requirement of confidentiality. Secondly, Tennessee law requires that child and elderly abuse in any form be reported to the Department of Human Services.
If you are referred by a physician or other health care professional, it is a professional courtesy to maintain contact, as necessary, with that referral source. This may be done unless you request otherwise. You will be required to sign a release of information form. Counselors are also required to break confidentiality in cases of court-ordered testimony or subpoena of client records.
Benefits and Risks of Therapy:
Persons contemplating counseling should realize they may make significant changes in their lives. People often modify their emotions, attitudes and behaviors. They also may make changes in their marriages or significant relationships, such as with parents, friends, children, relatives, etc. They may change employment, begin to feel differently about themselves, and may change other aspects of their lives. While the therapist will assist the client in effecting change, I cannot guarantee a specific outcome. Clients are ultimately responsible for their own growth.
Informed Consent:
The information on this website is provided to inform you that written consent is needed in order to treat you in therapy. The receipt form for this informed consent is on the following page. Please sign it and return it to Laura Lewis, LMFT during our first visit. The signed receipt assumes that you have read my practice policies, my fee policy, and agree to the policies.
Professional ethics and Tennessee State Law indicate that confidential information is controlled by the client. This means that as a general rule, information shared in sessions with a counselor will be held in confidence.
There are two exceptions to this general rule, however. In the case of an emergency where the counselor believes a client is at risk of hurting himself/herself or another person, the counselor may breach the requirement of confidentiality. Secondly, Tennessee law requires that child and elderly abuse in any form be reported to the Department of Human Services.
If you are referred by a physician or other health care professional, it is a professional courtesy to maintain contact, as necessary, with that referral source. This may be done unless you request otherwise. You will be required to sign a release of information form. Counselors are also required to break confidentiality in cases of court-ordered testimony or subpoena of client records.
Benefits and Risks of Therapy:
Persons contemplating counseling should realize they may make significant changes in their lives. People often modify their emotions, attitudes and behaviors. They also may make changes in their marriages or significant relationships, such as with parents, friends, children, relatives, etc. They may change employment, begin to feel differently about themselves, and may change other aspects of their lives. While the therapist will assist the client in effecting change, I cannot guarantee a specific outcome. Clients are ultimately responsible for their own growth.
Informed Consent:
The information on this website is provided to inform you that written consent is needed in order to treat you in therapy. The receipt form for this informed consent is on the following page. Please sign it and return it to Laura Lewis, LMFT during our first visit. The signed receipt assumes that you have read my practice policies, my fee policy, and agree to the policies.