The relationship between a patient and a therapist is protected by law. Information can’t be disclosed without written consent, except in the following situations:

• The therapist suspects there is past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults or elders, for which the therapist is required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities.

• The therapist suspects the client is in danger of seriously harming themselves or has threatened to seriously harm another person. The therapist must notify the police and the intended victim.

I am a mandatory reporter, this means that : 

By law, mandatory reporters must report suspected abuse or neglect of a child regardless of whether or not the knowledge of the abuse was gained in the reporter’s official capacity. In other words, the mandatory reporting of abuse or neglect of children is a 24-hour obligation.

Mandatory reporters, while acting in an official capacity, who come in contact with an elderly or developmentally disabled adult they suspect have been abused or neglected, must report to DHS or law enforcement.