Birches Health Group Therapy Guidelines & Confidentiality
Group therapy works best when everyone feels safe, respected, and able to speak openly. These guidelines explain what to expect and how everyone can help protect the privacy and safety of the group.
Privacy & Confidentiality
What you share in group therapy is private. Birches Health and your group therapist follow federal and state privacy laws, including HIPAA.
There are some situations when your therapist may need to share information, such as:
If there is a serious concern that you may hurt yourself or someone else
If there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child, older adult, or dependent adult
If disclosure is required by law
When information is needed for your care, clinical supervision, or quality review
Because other clients are part of the group, Birches Health cannot guarantee that everything shared by group members will stay private. Everyone has a responsibility to protect each other’s privacy.
When taking part in group, please:
Keep the names, personal information, and stories of other group members private
Do not record, photograph, or take screenshots of any part of the group
Join from a private place where others cannot see or hear the session
During Group
To help make the group a safe and supportive space:
Treat others with respect
Allow others time to speak
Avoid judgmental, shaming, or discriminatory comments
Respect that people may have different experiences and views
Keep your camera on unless you have made other arrangements with the group therapist
Your group therapist may redirect or pause a discussion when needed to help keep the group safe and focused.
Attendance
Some groups have the same members for a set number of sessions. These are called closed groups. Regular attendance is expected. If you need to miss a session, please let your group therapist know ahead of time when possible.
Other groups are open groups, which means clients can join individual sessions. Regular attendance is not required.
Your group therapist will let you know which type of group you are joining.
Safety & Emergencies
Group therapy is not an emergency or crisis service. If you are in immediate danger or think you may hurt yourself or someone else, seek emergency or crisis support instead of waiting for a group session.
If a safety concern comes up during group, your therapist may take steps to help keep you or others safe.
Following Group Guidelines
These guidelines are part of taking part in Birches Health group therapy. If a group member does not follow them or behaves in a way that is unsafe or disruptive, the therapist may address the concern with the client. In some cases, the client may be asked to stop attending the group.