An Orlando Therapist Explains Why We Can't "Confirm nor Deny" - A Word About HIPAA
An Orlando Therapist Explains Why We Can't "Confirm nor Deny" - A Word About HIPAA
Written by: Lauran Hahn, LMHC
Have you ever called a therapy practice and been told, “We cannot confirm or deny if this person is a client”?
We understand how frustrating that can be. Maybe you’re trying to check in on a loved one’s progress in therapy. Maybe you’re worried about their well-being. Perhaps you’re just hoping for reassurance that they’re in good hands.
When you reach out to a therapy practice, it’s because you care. However mental health professionals are legally and ethically bound by strict privacy laws—which means we cannot share any information about a client. And that includes confirming whether or not someone is a client.
Why Therapists Can’t Disclose Any Information (Even Whether Someone is a Client)
Mental health professionals are required to follow HIPAA (The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)—a federal law that protects every individual’s right to privacy in healthcare, including mental health treatment.
This means therapists cannot:
Confirm or deny if someone is a client at their practice.
Share details about their appointments, progress, or treatment.
Provide any information—even if you are their spouse, parent of an adult client, or financially responsible for their sessions.
Even if your loved one has told you they’re seeing a therapist, their therapist still cannot confirm that information unless the client has signed a formal Release of Information (ROI) allowing specific details to be shared.
We know this can be difficult, especially when you’re coming from a place of care and concern. But confidentiality isn’t about shutting family members out—it’s about protecting every client’s right to privacy and creating a safe space for healing.
How Confidentiality Protects Your Loved One (And You!)
Therapy is most effective when people feel safe to share openly. If clients knew that their personal struggles could be discussed with family or friends without their consent, they might hold back, making it harder to get the support they need. Confidentiality also ensures your privacy. If you ever seek therapy, you’d want to know that your information is just as protected.
What You Can Do If You’re Concerned
If you believe your input would help therapy, here’s what you can do:
Ask them to sign a Release of Information. If they’re comfortable, they can give written permission for their therapist to share limited information.
Respect their need for privacy. If they don’t want you to have access to their therapy, it’s important to honor that choice. Therapy is most effective when individuals feel safe to share openly. Even if they choose not to involve you, trust that they are effectively in control of their therapy.
Support them without pressure. Let them know you care, you’re available to talk, and you trust them to take steps toward healing at their own pace.
Seek your own support. If their struggles are affecting you, consider seeing a therapist yourself. Supporting someone else’s mental health can be overwhelming, and your well-being matters too. Letting go and allowing your loved one to get support on their own terms can be challenging. Therapy can help you navigate your level of involvement in a way that offers you internal peace and feels supportive to your loved one.
A Commitment to Privacy and Care
While therapists cannot disclose information about any client—whether they are in therapy or not—this confidentiality exists to create a safe, protected space for healing. If your loved one wants you to be involved, they have the option to provide written permission.
If you have questions about how releases of information work or how you can support someone in therapy, don’t hesitate to reach out to a therapist for guidance. Respecting privacy is a crucial part of the healing process, and your support—whether from a distance or up close—makes a difference.
Ready to Start With an Orlando Therapist?
At Mindful Living Counseling we have a great team of therapists who can help you or your loved one.
Fill out our New Client Consultation form here.
Once you complete the form, you’ll be invited to schedule a 15-minute phone consultation with one of our Orlando therapists.
Get ready to start healing!
Additional Orlando Therapist Resources
Orlando Therapist: 5 Things Your Therapist Wants You to Know
Orlando Therapist: Understanding Therapy Jargon
Orlando Therapist: What is a Superbill for Therapy?
An Anxiety Therapist Shares Everything You Need to Know About Anxiety
Other Therapy Services Offered at Mindful Living Counseling in Orlando
Our office offers a variety of therapy services to address diverse needs! Our options include EMDR therapy, Trauma Therapy, Teen Therapy, Couples Therapy, Eating Disorder Therapy, and toxic relationship therapy. Additionally, we provide guided meditations.
Orlando Therapist Lauran Hahn
Lauran Hahn, LMHC, is a therapist and the owner of Mindful Living Counseling in Orlando. She specializes in helping clients deal with anxiety and trauma through her EMDR Intensives. Lauran is certified as a Sensorimotor Psychotherapist and an EMDR Therapist, and she is also recognized as an EMDRIA Approved Consultant. Her goal is to help individuals achieve a sense of tranquility in their bodies, mental peace, and stronger connections in their relationships. Additionally, she aids clients in healing from toxic relationships and provides guidance to help them avoid similar situations in the future.