Patient Rights

This was taken from a typical outpatient handout given to patients upon their first visit to a therapist. It was not written by me. Ask your own therapist if they have something similar.

• To participate in developing an individual plan of treatment.
• To receive an explanation of services in accordance with the treatment plan.
• To participate voluntarily in and to consent to treatment.
• To object to, or terminate, treatment.
• To have records protected by confidentiality and not be revealed to anyone without my written authorization.

  Confidentiality may only be broken under the following conditions (state laws will vary):

  • If the therapist has knowledge of child or elder abuse.
  • If the therapist has knowledge of the client's intent to harm oneself or others.
  • If the therapist receives a court order to the contrary.
  • If the client enters into litigation against the therapist.

• To have access to one's records.
• To receive clinically appropriate care and treatment that is suited to their needs and skillfully, safely, and humanely administered with full respect for their dignity and personal integrity.
• To be treated in a manner which is ehtical and free from abuse, discrimination, mistreatment, and/or exploitation.
• To be treated by staff who are sensitive to one's cultural background.
• To be afforded privacy.
• To be free to report grievances regarding services or staff to a supervisor.
• To be informed of expected results of all therapies prescribed, including their possible adverse effects (eg.- medications).
• To request a change in therapist.
• To request that another clinician review the individual treatment plan for a second opinion.

Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 15 Sep 2002
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