Knowledge bank: Is therapy confidential?

Privacy, your records and the limits of confidentiality · A plain-language guide from Core Psychology in Calgary

What you share in therapy is kept private. There are a small number of legal and safety exceptions, and your clinician will explain them before you begin.

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AT A GLANCE

  1. 01What you share stays between you and your clinician, with a few exceptions
  2. 02Exceptions are about safety and the law, not everyday concerns
  3. 03Your clinician reviews these limits with you at the start

If you have a question about privacy, you can ask before or during your first session. It’s a very common question.

01 · What stays private

Your story, your information.

Confidentiality is a core ethical and legal duty for psychologists and counsellors. In everyday terms, it means:

  • What you talk about isn’t shared without your consent
  • Your family, partner or employer isn’t told you’re attending
  • Your insurer receives a receipt, not your session notes
  • Records are stored securely and kept as required by law
  • You can ask for information to be shared, for example with your doctor
  • You can ask questions about your records at any time

02 · The limits

When information may be shared.

  1. RISK OF SERIOUS HARM

    If your clinician has reasonable grounds to believe that sharing information is necessary to prevent imminent and serious harm to you, another person or the public, they may share what is needed with those who need to know.

  2. A CHILD AT RISK

    In Alberta, anyone with reasonable grounds to believe a child needs protection must report it to Children’s Services or the police.

  3. A COURT ORDER OR LEGAL REQUIREMENT

    Clinicians must release information when ordered by a court or tribunal, or when a law requires it. This is uncommon.

  4. WITH YOUR CONSENT

    You can choose to share information, for example with your physician, by signing a written consent that says what will be shared, with whom and for how long.

03 · Why it matters

Why it matters

Feeling safe makes it easier to be honest.

I

Trust

Knowing how your information is protected can make it easier to talk openly.

II

Clarity

Hearing the limits up front means there are no surprises later.

III

Choice

You stay in control of who else, if anyone, hears about your care.

IV

Accountability

Psychologists in Alberta follow the College of Alberta Psychologists’ Standards of Practice and code of ethics.

Psychologists in Alberta follow the College of Alberta Psychologists Standards of Practice and the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists. Canadian Certified Counsellors follow the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association Code of Ethics.

04 · Common questions

Your questions about privacy, answered.

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Will my employer know I’m in therapy?

We don’t share information with your employer without your consent. If you claim through workplace benefits, your claim goes to the insurer, not your employer.

What does my insurance company see?

Usually a receipt showing your name, the date, the type of service, the clinician’s designation and the fee. Session notes aren’t sent to insurers. If an insurer asks for more, we would only share it with your written consent.

Is my child’s therapy confidential from me?

It depends on your child’s age and maturity. At the start, your clinician will agree with you and your child on what will and won’t be shared, and explain limits set by law, such as safety concerns.

Can I see my own records?

In most cases, yes. You can ask for access to your file, and your clinician will respond within 30 days. In rare cases, some information may be withheld if releasing it could cause serious harm.

What if I need help right now?

If you’re in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988 any time, or call 911.

Ready to talk with someone?

If you have questions about privacy before you start, our client care coordinator is happy to answer them and match you with a clinician who may be a good fit.

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Have a few questions first? A complimentary 15-minute phone consultation is available if you’d like one. It’s optional, and you’re welcome to book your first session directly.

Call or text 403.488.8912 · info@corepsychology.com
Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm · Saturday, 9am to 3pm

If you’re in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911.