Confidentiality

Except in the following situations, information communicated to CAPS will not be released outside our agency without a student’s permission. If you would like further information on this subject, the CAPS staff member you are working with can provide it to you.

Exceptions include:

1. Consultation with staff: CAPS staff may consult with each other and with UCSC Health Center clinicians, as needed, to provide the best coordinated care for clients.
2. Demographic data for funding: CAPS is required to collect and maintain information about the individuals we see, including their year in college, ethnicity, and other demographic data. This statistical information is necessary for our annual funding.
3. Imminent risk of harm or death: In certain situations, when there is a potential imminent risk of harm or death, confidentiality may not be protected. This includes cases of:
   • Actual or suspected abuse of minors, elders, or dependent adults who are unable to care for themselves
   • Suicide
   • Homicide
   • Planned violence toward others
   • Situations involving individuals who are gravely disabled due to a mental health condition that impairs their ability to care for themselves
4. Legal reporting requirements: In such cases, CAPS staff may be legally required to report minimal necessary information to appropriate parties to address the situation.
5. Court orders: Information may be disclosed if there is a valid court order for the release of your files.
6. Electronic health record protection: All other information gathered during clinical appointments is kept as part of your CAPS/Student Health Center electronic health record and is protected by legal and ethical confidentiality laws and policies.