Confidentiality Policy

The Student Development Center Counseling area at Paul Smith's College operates on the confidentiality guidelines established by the National Board for Certified Counselors. All contact with clients and potential clients is treated as privileged and confidential information. No confidential information is released without the written consent of the client except under the following circumstances:

1. They are in danger of doing imminent harm to self or others. In these instances whatever steps are necessary to protect the individuals involved will be taken, and the College may mandate a psychological or psychiatric evaluation.
2. The counselor has reason to suspect any of the following:
   1. child abuse
   2. abuse of the elderly
   3. abuse of a disabled person.
   If any of these conditions is suspected the counselor should discuss with the client the counselor's mandatory reporting status.
3. We receive a subpoena from a court signed by a judge. The Director will then contact the College attorney for directives as to options for response.
4. If someone contacts the office referring the student here, it is our policy to let them know only that the student has come for an appointment. In the case of academic or disciplinary referrals mandated for a specific period of time, it is our policy to let the referring office know if the student does not meet the number of times mandated.
5. Other counselors at the College may consult with the Director of Student Development regarding any counseling matters as necessary as they affect their clients.
6. The College engages a Psychiatrist to provide consultation to the counselors and the Director when such consultation is thought to be necessary. The counselor may speak with this Psychiatrist about the client's concerns in order to provide them with the best possible service.