All information that you present to me within our sessions and through other communications (written records, assessment data, phone calls, email, and so on) are privileged and confidential. As such this information may not be revealed to anyone without your understanding and written permission. The only exception to this policy is where the Law requires disclosure. Even in that case I will inform you of any release of information.

When disclosure is required by law: Some of the circumstances where Dr. Gambino is required to reveal the content of your sessions are: when there is a reasonable suspicion of child, dependent, spousal, or elder neglect and/or abuse.

Another circumstance that will involve disclosure is when you present a threat to yourself, to others, to property, or becomes gravely disabled.

When disclosure MAY be required: Disclosure may be required if you are involved in a legal proceeding. If you place your metal well being at issue in a legal proceeding other parties may have the right to obtain your psychological records and/or require testimony from Dr. Gambino. In couple and family work, or when family members are seen individually, confidentiality privileges do not apply as stringently. Dr. Gambino will use his clinical judgment when revealing such information. In family therapy, Dr. Gambino, will not release records to any outside party unless ALL adult family members who were part of the treatment authorize him to do so.

Emergencies: If there is an emergency situation during our work together, or in the future (after we have discontinued our work) where Dr. Gambino becomes concerned about your personal safety, or the possibility of your injuring someone else, or about you receiving proper treatment he will do whatever is reasonable within the limits of the law to prevent you from injuring yourself or others, and to insure that you receive proper treatment. For this purpose, Dr. Gambino may contact appropriate parties.

Disclosure of confidential healthcare information is often required by your healthcare insurance contract. If you instruct Dr. Gambino to do so, only the minimum amount of information will be released to your insurer.

Please keep in mind that Dr. Gambino has no control or knowledge over what insurance companies do with the information he releases or who can access this information.

You must be aware that by submitting a claim to your medical insurer carries a certain amount of risk to your confidentiality, privacy, or to your future capacity to obtain health insurance. Due to the erosion of privacy by healthcare insurers (governmental or private) Dr. Gambino recommends that you consider self-payment over health insurance.

LITIGATION LIMITATION: Due to the nature and process of psychological services and the fact that circumstances may involve the release of information to third parties IT IS AGREED THAT IN THE EVENT OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS NEITHER YOU NOR YOUR ATTORNEY NOR ANYONE ELSE ACTING ON YOUR BEHALF WILL CALL DR. GAMBINO TO TESTIFY IN COURT OR IN ANY OTHER PROCEEEDINGS, NOR WILL A DISCLOSURE OF RECORDS BE REQUESTED. Such proceedings include but are not limited to divorce and custody disputes, injuries, lawsuits, and so on.