Every patient, including children and adolescent, has the right to a confidential relationship with their psychiatrist. Confidentiality is the foundation of good psychiatric care: it allows patients to speak openly and builds the trust that treatment depends on.

At the same time, family involvement often strengthens treatment. Input from parents, guardians, teachers, and caregivers can provide valuable context for evaluation and ongoing care, and family members are frequently included in parts of the treatment plan. Notes or detailed voicemail messages are also a convenient way to share relevant information.

There are situations where communication with family or others is necessary regardless of consent—for example, when a patient's safety requires additional support and structure, when child maltreatment is suspected, or when required by law.
We will work with you (and, for minors, with parents or guardians) to determine what level of communication makes sense for your treatment, and what will remain confidential.