Release of information (ROI) requests when properly filled out allow me (with your permission) to collaborate care between myself and other professionals. If you have a MD, prescriber, other therapist, lawyer, or whoever, and you want me to communicate with them for your care or whatever, then a release of information can be filled out. I believe this is a valid process.

However, this summer I received several incomplete and vague release of information requests from other professionals. All release of information requests must be completely and fully filled out. I get it, other professionals are busy. But one of the foundational services that I provide is a private place to discuss your concerns.

Your privacy is paramount. Legally, I can find myself in a very bad position of I do not take your privacy seriously. More importantly, you need to have confidence that your private experience with me as your therapist is indeed private.

As a talk therapist, one of the greatest products I provide is a safe and private place for you to discuss your life and concerns. I do not take this lightly.

So if I receive an incomplete ROI from another professional, which I sometimes do, then I will not release your information. This is not a hard problem to solve. If you want me to talk to another professional, then you can fill out my ROI online. Just ask for the link. Yes, I will be a stickler and somewhat annoying if the form is not completely and accurately filled out. Take your time, and fill it out completely. If not, then I will politely ask you to fill it out again. This is to protect your privacy. Yes, it can be annoying. 

Also, as a best practice, I believe in informed consent. I may take a few minutes to make sure you understand that the ROI allows me to divulge your private information. This is not to say that you are wrong to want this done, as there are very good things that can occur from releasing your private information. Sometimes people are pressured to release their information. Maybe you do not actually want the other person to know about your therapy discussions. This is your right to decline, and I want you to know that you can decline.

So yes, I can be a bit annoying and obsessive about this issue, but your privacy is very important to me. I hope this blog post helps you understand why.