Counseling

Confidentiality

Please take into consideration that confidentiality will be considered by the Counseling Service at every point but cannot be guaranteed when communicating with students by phone, email, or internet. We are attempting to provide the highest level of service to students under these difficult circumstances. Your understanding of the circumstances and the possible limits to confidentiality is implicit in your communication with the Counseling Service.

Information disclosed by the student during counseling is protected under confidentiality regulations of Washington law (RCW 18.225.100), but information may be released under the following exceptions as mandated by Washington law (RCW 18.225.105):

1. With your written authorization for use and disclosure of information, or in the case of death or disability, the authorization of your personal representative.
2. To any individual if the counselor reasonably believes that disclosure will avoid or minimize a serious, foreseeable or imminent risk to you or any other individual.
3. When there is reasonable cause to believe that a child, dependent adult or vulnerable person is being or has been abused or neglected.
4. When the student waives the privilege of confidentiality by bringing charges, complaints, lawsuit or dispute against the counselor.
5. If the counselor receives a subpoena from the court to provide information. If this happens, only the minimum information necessary to satisfy the court’s order will be provided.