Informed Consent for Legal Disclosures & Testimony

This form outlines our policies regarding legal proceedings, record requests for court, and therapist testimony. Because clinical therapy is focused on healing rather than legal advocacy, specific boundaries and fees apply to legal involvement.

1. Non-Forensic Role of the Therapist

The professional relationship with your therapist is strictly for clinical treatment. Your therapist is not a forensic evaluator and does not provide legal assessments, child custody recommendations, fitness-for-duty evaluations, or court advocacy. The therapist's goal is to maintain a safe, neutral therapeutic environment.

2. Implications of Disclosing Records

If you request or subpoena clinical records for use in legal proceedings, please be aware that the therapist may be legally required to disclose the entire record, including highly sensitive, private details about your mental health history, personal life, and relationships.

Exposing this information in a legal setting can cause emotional distress and can permanently damage the trust and safety required for effective therapy.

3. Objective Testimony

If the therapist is subpoenaed or legally compelled to testify in court, they will answer all questions truthfully and objectively. The therapist cannot and will not tailor their testimony to support your legal position or advocate for a specific outcome. Truthful testimony may contain information that is unfavorable to your legal case.

4. Legal Service Fees

Preparing documents, consulting with attorneys, and appearing in court requires significant time away from other clients. Insurance policies do not cover legal services. Therefore, you agree to pay all legal fees out-of-pocket. These fees are charged at the practice's legal hourly rate and must be paid as a retainer in advance of the service.

5. Legal Disclosures Agreement

I understand that my therapist's role is clinical and they will not act as a forensic advocate. * Required

Yes No

I agree to the fee schedule and advance retainer policy for any requested or required legal services. * Required

Yes No

Client Signature * Required

Signature

I have read, understood, and agree to the policies regarding legal disclosures, court testimony, and associated fees.

Informed Consent for Legal Disclosures & Testimony

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