UWO Counseling Center Confidentiality Information

The UW Oshkosh Counseling Center is required by state law and ethic standards to guarantee that everything a counseling client talks about with a counselor is held in strict confidence. This means that information shared by you during counseling will be kept within the confines of the Counseling Center and will not be shared with others (including parents, other family members, instructors, or other university officials) unless you give written authorization to release the information.

Exemptions to Confidentiality

• Counselors with the Center routinely consult with one another about cases in order to provide the most effective service to students.
• If you threaten to harm yourself or anyone else and we believe the threat is serious, we are obligated to take appropriate action to protect life. This may include arranging voluntary or involuntary hospitalization, notifying law enforcement authorities, university personnel, and/or notifying the emergency contact you have designated.
• If we have reason to believe that you or someone you know is abusing or neglecting children or a vulnerable adult, we are required by law to report this to the appropriate state agency.
• If you are involved in litigation and we receive a court order requesting records, we are required by law to comply.