The information obtained during evaluations or psychotherapy is confidential and will not be released to any person or organization without written consent by the patient or guardian. The only exceptions to this policy are rare situations in which Dr. Hope is required by law to release information without the patient/guardian’s permission. These are: 1) if there is evidence of physical and/or sexual abuse of children or the elderly; 2) if Dr. Hope judges that the client is in danger of hurting him/herself or another person; 3) if the client’s records are subpoenaed by the Court. In the rare event of any of these situations, Dr. Hope will attempt to discuss her intentions with the patient or guardian before an action is taken and would limit disclosure of confidential information to the minimum necessary to ensure safety.