THE BALANCE
Last updated: January 10th, 2026
1. Purpose of This Policy
THE BALANCE (“THE BALANCE”, “we”, “us”) is committed to protecting the confidentiality of individuals who engage with our services, whether as clients, family members, or professional collaborators.
Confidentiality is a foundational element of ethical clinical care and professional trust. This policy explains how confidentiality is maintained, what it covers, and the circumstances under which confidentiality may be limited.
This policy applies to therapeutic, clinical, admissions, and professional interactions. It should be read alongside our Privacy Policy, which governs data protection and digital information handling.
2. Scope of Confidentiality
Confidentiality at THE BALANCE applies to:
- Individuals receiving or inquiring about treatment
- Family members or representatives involved with consent
- Professional referrals and collaborations
- Communications with admissions, clinical, or administrative teams
Confidentiality obligations apply regardless of whether treatment proceeds.
3. Therapeutic Confidentiality
All therapeutic and clinical interactions at THE BALANCE are treated as confidential.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Clinical assessments and evaluations
- Psychotherapy and psychiatric sessions
- Medical consultations and interventions
- Treatment planning and progress discussions
- Records generated during care
Clinical information is accessed only by professionals directly involved in the individual’s care and only to the extent necessary to fulfill clinical responsibilities.
4. Admissions & Pre-Treatment Confidentiality
Information shared during:
- initial inquiries
- admissions discussions
- suitability assessments
is treated confidentially and with discretion.
Sharing information during this phase does not create a therapeutic relationship but does establish an expectation of respectful handling and confidentiality.
5. Family Members & Third Parties
Information may be shared with family members, legal representatives, or other third parties only when:
- explicit consent has been provided by the individual, or
- sharing is clinically appropriate and ethically justified, or
- required by law or safety obligations
The scope of information shared is limited to what is necessary and agreed.
6. Professional Collaboration & Referrals
Where individuals are referred by, or remain connected to, external professionals (e.g. psychiatrists, therapists, physicians):
- collaboration occurs only with consent
- communication is structured and purposeful
- responsibility and boundaries are clarified
THE BALANCE does not disclose information to referring professionals without appropriate authorization, unless legally required.
7. Limits to Confidentiality
Confidentiality is not absolute. Disclosure may be required or permitted in limited circumstances, including:
- Imminent risk of serious harm to the individual or others
- Legal obligations or court orders
- Mandatory reporting requirements under applicable law
- Safeguarding concerns involving vulnerable individuals
Where possible and appropriate, individuals are informed before disclosure occurs.
8. Internal Access & Professional Boundaries
Access to confidential information is:
- restricted to authorized personnel
- based on role and responsibility
- subject to professional and ethical standards
All staff and affiliated professionals are bound by confidentiality obligations as part of their professional duties and contractual arrangements.
9. Records & Documentation
Clinical and administrative records are:
- maintained securely
- stored in accordance with applicable standards
- retained only as long as necessary
Details regarding data storage and protection are addressed in the Privacy Policy.
10. Confidentiality After Treatment
Confidentiality obligations continue after treatment ends.
Information about former clients is not disclosed without consent, except where legally required or ethically justified.
11. Questions & Concerns
Individuals who have questions about confidentiality, consent, or information sharing are encouraged to discuss these with the admissions team or their clinical contact.
Concerns regarding confidentiality may also be addressed through our Complaints & Patient Rights process.
12. Updates to This Policy
This Confidentiality Policy may be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect legal requirements, ethical standards, or institutional practice. The most current version is always available on our website.
13. Contact Information
For questions regarding this Confidentiality Policy:
THE BALANCE
Email: legal@thebalance.clinic
