Agreement for Collateral Participants in Therapy

This agreement explains the role and boundaries for family members, partners, or friends who participate in therapy sessions to support a primary client's treatment. These participants are referred to as 'collaterals'.

1. Role of a Collateral Participant

A collateral participant's involvement is strictly to support the primary client's treatment plan. The therapist may gather background information, observe dynamics, or teach support strategies. The focus of therapy remains entirely on the primary client's clinical goals.

2. No Therapist-Client Relationship

As a collateral participant, you are NOT a patient of the therapist, and your participation does not establish a therapist-client relationship. You are not receiving psychological treatment, diagnosis, or evaluation. If the therapist determines that you need therapy or mental health support, referrals will be provided for you to seek your own clinician.

3. Confidentiality and Records

Information shared by a collateral is part of the primary client's medical record. The primary client holds the legal right to confidentiality and owns the record. The therapist cannot release details of the session to third parties without the primary client's written authorization.

Because you are not the client, you do not have a right to access the primary client's clinical records, nor do you have the right to prevent the primary client from accessing or releasing records that contain information you provided.

4. Agreement Not to Subpoena

By participating as a collateral, you agree that you will not subpoena the therapist, request clinical notes, or attempt to involve the therapist in any legal, marital, custody, or civil disputes. The therapist's role is clinical and healing, not forensic.

5. Participant Details and Consent

Primary Client's Full Name * Required

Collateral Participant's Full Name * Required

Relationship to the Primary Client (e.g., Spouse, Parent, Partner) * Required

Collateral Participant Signature * Required

Signature

I agree that my participation is as a collateral support person only, and I agree to the terms, limitations, and boundaries outlined in this agreement.

Agreement for Collateral Participants in Therapy

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