CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY
All records in the Counseling and Resource Center (CRC) are personal and confidential.
This information can only be released outside the center with your written consent.
Privacy of your records and anonymity extends to situations where a client is referred
to the CRC by a faculty member, administrator or friend. Except under certain circumstances
(listed below), no parent, academic dean, instructor or future employer will know
of a student's use of the CRC.
Counseling records are not a part of the educational record. We keep separate records
from other administrative documents kept on campus and notations about counseling
are not made on a student's official college record.
Client confidentiality is protected under Washington law (RCW 18.19.180) and information cannot be released except, for example, in the following situations:
- When the client signs a written consent (Release of Information) for information to
be shared.
- When the counselor has reasonable cause to believe that physical or sexual abuse or
neglect of a child, dependent adult, or developmentally disabled person has occurred
or might occur, the counselor is legally required to report the situation to the authorities
(WAC 246-810-060).
- If the client presents as a danger to self or others, the law mandates reporting to
a legal authority.
- If the counselor is served with a court-ordered subpoena, the counselor must testify.
If charges are brought by the client against the counselor, the professional can,
in his/her defense, discuss what occurred in counseling.
On occasion a counselor may consult with another counseling professional in order
to provide you with the best possible service and ethical treatment.
For more information on the confidentially policy, contact the Director of Counseling,
Jessica Burwell at 425.640.1654 or jessica.e.burwell@edmonds.edu.
