Privacy & Confidentiality in Substance Use Counseling

I’m Chad Kirkland, a Licensed CADC serving Reno, Nevada. I’ve spent 5+ years working with individuals and families affected by substance use and co-occurring concerns. Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Supervisor (CADC-S), Nevada License #06847-C, and Supervisor of Alcohol and Drug Counselor Interns, Nevada License #08159-S, through the Nevada State Board of Examiners for Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Counselors.

This page explains how privacy protections work in counseling settings. This is general information; specific privacy questions should be discussed directly with a qualified professional.

HIPAA Privacy Principles

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) establishes federal privacy standards for protecting personal health information. These rules guide how healthcare providers handle records, communication, and information sharing.

• Protected Health Information: medical and counseling information is treated as confidential health data.
• Minimum necessary standard: only the information required for a specific purpose may be shared.
• Patient rights: individuals may request access to their records and control authorized disclosures.

HIPAA helps ensure that sensitive information is handled carefully and only disclosed when appropriate and authorized.

42 CFR Part 2 Protections

Substance use treatment records often receive additional protection under federal regulation 42 CFR Part 2. These rules were created to encourage people to seek treatment without fear that their information could be disclosed without consent.

• Written consent required: substance use treatment information generally cannot be shared without written authorization.
• Specific disclosures: releases must clearly identify who may receive the information.
• Redisclosure protections: recipients of Part 2 information are restricted from sharing it further.

These protections are designed to reduce stigma and protect individuals seeking help for substance use concerns.

How Confidentiality Works in Counseling

In counseling settings, confidentiality means information discussed during sessions is generally not shared with others without permission. If coordination with other providers is helpful, written authorization allows communication while maintaining appropriate privacy protections.

• Information shared in counseling is treated as confidential.
• Releases of information are required before coordinating with other providers.
• Documentation follows professional standards for behavioral health services.

We can explain options and coordinate referrals, and we’ll recommend medical evaluation when withdrawal or medical risk may be present.

Limits of Confidentiality

Although confidentiality protections are strong, there are limited situations where disclosure may be required or permitted by law.

• Immediate risk of harm to yourself or others
• Situations involving abuse or neglect reporting obligations
• Valid court orders or legal mandates
• Medical emergencies requiring immediate intervention

When possible and appropriate, these situations are discussed with clients beforehand.

Privacy and Website Communication

If you contact Reno Treatment & Recovery through the website, please keep messages brief. Do not include sensitive medical or legal details in web forms.

Electronic communication methods such as email or web forms may not provide the same level of privacy as in-person conversations. More detailed information can be discussed during a scheduled appointment.

Questions About Privacy

If you have questions about confidentiality or how information may be shared, those questions can be discussed during scheduling or intake. Understanding privacy protections is an important part of informed consent and ethical counseling.

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