mental health professional

Notwithstanding the general confidentiality protections of Welf. & Inst. Code 5328, when the patient, in the opinion of his or her psychotherapist, presents a serious danger of violence to a reasonably foreseeable victim or victims, then any of the information or records may be released to that person or persons and to law enforcement agencies as the psychotherapist determines is needed for the protection of that person or persons.

A provider of health care or a health care service plan may disclose medical information in the following circumstances: 1) to other healthcare providers to facilitate diagnosis and treatment 2) to find financially liable party and obtain payment 3) to administrative subcontractors 4) quality control organizations (peer review boards, etc.) 5) accrediting agencies 6) coroners 7) \bona fide research purposes\" 8) employer

In an investigation and prosecution of sexual exploitation by physicians, surgeons, psychotherapists, or alcohol and drug abuse counselors – cannot obtain disclosure of any confidential files of other current or former patients/clients of the individual under investigation.

Confidential communications between patient and psychologist shall be privileged, as provided in Evidence Code 1010 et seq.

Any information of a personal nature disclosed by a student 12 years of age or older in the process of receiving counseling from a school counselor is confidential, except for referral for treatment.

Any information of a personal nature disclosed by a student 12 years of age or older in the process of receiving counseling from a school counselor is confidential, except when the student indicates that a crime, involving the likelihood of personal injury or significant or substantial property losses, will or has been committed.

Any information of a personal nature disclosed by a student 12 years of age or older in the process of receiving counseling from a school counselor is confidential, unless written waiver signed by student.

The section defines "confidential communications between patient and psychotherapist."

Exemptions from Public Records Act disclosure include information between family counselor and client.

There is no psychotherapist-patient privilege if the psychotherapist has reasonable cause to believe that the patient is a danger to himself/ others/ the property of another, and disclosure of the communication is necessary to prevent the threatened danger.