Confidentiality means everything to Pivot Employee Assistance Services. Maintaining the confidentiality of program participants is not only a cornerstone of professional ethics, it is mandated by federal and state regulation.

Except in very specific circumstances*, information given during an EAP session remains confidential—just between the employee and the counselor--unless and until the employee gives written authorization to release that information.

*Exceptions to Complete Confidentiality:

There are several very specific exceptions to the general principle of confidentiality. The following situations may warrant release of information without consent of participants:

1. Threat to Self or Others
2. Court Subpoena
   Information may be released pursuant to a court order in response to a subpoena in a legal proceeding. Certain communications may be revealed in the course of a judicial proceeding.
3. Abused or Neglected Child
   If the Pivot counselor sees an abused or neglected child in the course of interacting with an employee, the law requires that this be reported to a County social services or law enforcement agency. If EAP has other reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or neglect in the course of interacting with an employee, this may also be reported.
4. Written Permission
   Information may be released if the employee gives written permission by signing an "Authorization to Release Information" form.
5. Medical Emergency
   Necessary and relevant information may be released to medical personnel if it is needed in a medical emergency.