Confidentiality and Mission Statement

In accordance with law, what a client discusses with his or her therapist is kept strictly confidential unless the client provides written permission to release information to other parties. However, there are limited exceptions where information can be legally and ethically released without the client’s consent or authorization.

The exceptions include:

(1) If the client presents as an imminent threat or danger to himself or herself, his or her therapist is permitted to release information necessary for the purpose of his or her protection (such as contacting family members, emergency contacts, the police, University officials, and/or seeking hospitalization);

(2) Where an imminent threat of physical violence or harm exists, the therapist may take action which may include notifying the potential victim(s), the police, University officials, family members, emergency contacts, or seeking hospitalization;

(3) Where abuse or neglect of children (persons who are currently under the age of 18), the elderly (age 65 or older), or disabled/incompetent individuals is known or reasonably suspected, the therapist must file a report with the appropriate state agency;

(4) In court proceedings, a judge may require through a court order the release of the records and/or the therapist’s testimony.

(5) In the event the client or a legal representative of the client files a lawsuit against the UNG Student Counseling Center or therapist, the client’s records and/or therapist’s testimony may be released to the involved parties; and may be used to defend the UNG Student Counseling Center or therapist.

UNG Student Counseling states that minors cannot be seen for treatment without the informed consent of their legal guardian. It is also our practice to get assent from the minor seeking services. In emergency situations, it may be necessary to provide crisis intervention, but ongoing services cannot be offered before consent from the legal guardian is obtained. The legal guardian must be present at the first appointment to provide written consent to the Student Counseling Center. If the parents are divorced only the legal parent with the right to make healthcare decisions can sign the consent and a copy of the most current court-approved parenting plan must be submitted prior to the start of therapy. Legal Guardians must present similar paperwork from the court. The legal guardian is only required to attend the first few minutes of the first session. After consent and assent are given, the legal guardian is able to leave the session. If a legal guardian is unable to attend the first session, UNG Students are welcome to contact Nigel Cares at 833-910-3368 to obtain free, confidential therapy services.

The mission of the University of North Georgia (UNG) Office of Student Counseling is to:

• Enhance, support, and maintain the emotional health, development and well-being of the University of North Georgia students;
• Inform, advise and support, in its areas of expertise, those involved with the University and support the students;
• And at times, educate and train professionals in psychotherapy and counseling, college mental health, human development and related fields.

Values and Notice of Non-Discrimination

The staff of the University of North Georgia (UNG) Office of Student Counseling seeks to promote human welfare. Consistent with this principle, we believe that every person should be treated with dignity and respect. We value acceptance and appreciation for all differences among people including those of race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, functional ability, socio-economic status, age, religious or spiritual identification, and other characteristics that comprise identity. We work toward providing respectful care to students of any background/identity. We believe that valuing cultural diversity facilitates human growth and development as well as enhances the quality of life on campus and in our communities. Therefore, we are committed to enhancing the awareness and understanding of cultural diversity, incorporating this philosophy into our professional activities and clinical  services. We are also committed to the respect for the autonomy, self-determination, and self-authorship of the client by the therapist. It is important that clinicians work with clients in a way that helps the client own their life and make their own decisions with the only exception being when, in the clinician’s professional judgment, clients’ actions or potential actions pose a serious, foreseeable, and imminent risk to themselves or others. The clinician has some expertise in matters of mental health and therefore, within the scope of their practice, can offer particular suggestions within that limited realm. Examples might be recommended treatments for depression, suggestion of a medication consult, etc. The therapist should only operate within the scope of their competency and license.