For people who participate in a substance abuse treatment program, privacy and discretion are often a concern. This is especially true of executives and people who are more publicly-known members of their communities. If you are considering enrolling in an outpatient treatment program, you can feel confident that your treatment facility will go to great lengths to protect your privacy. Privacy protections include discretion in communication.
Why Treatment Centers Value Patient Confidentiality
Some people who struggle with addiction have done so privately while others fight their battle with their friends, family members, and in some cases, coworkers having awareness of their substance abuse. Regardless, each person’s recovery story is his or her own to share on his or her own terms. For those who have not shared their struggles with addiction or who are concerned their drug or alcohol use may affect their employment, confidentiality a top concern. We understand that concerns over lack of confidentiality may make some clients feel hesitant to enroll in a treatment program.
Rehab Center Employees Receive Confidentiality Traning
Similar to other healthcare providers, substance abuse treatment centers have confidentiality and privacy guidelines in place. Clinicians and staff members typically complete thorough training to help them understand how to comply with privacy laws and other policies that protect patients. If you are considering an outpatient program, be sure to ask about measures the facility takes to protect patients’ privacy.
Confidentiality in Phone Communications
There will likely be instances in which a care provider may need to make phone calls to remind clients of upcoming appointments or convey other helpful information. Treatment center staff members and clinicians take special care to avoid conveying details to individuals the patient has not authorized to receive private information on his or her behalf. If you are unavailable to answer the phone, your treatment center may leave a generic message reminding you of an upcoming unspecified appointment, or they may leave their phone number and request a call back.
Confidentiality in Mail Correspondence
If you need to receive mail regarding your outpatient recovery program, your treatment center may take extra measures such as sending correspondence in plain envelopes that do not display the name of the treatment center. Be sure to inform your treatment center if you would prefer to receive mail at a P.O. box or other private location or if they should avoid sending correspondence that displays the name of the treatment center.
Privacy in 12 Step Programs and Support Groups
Outpatient clients also typically attend 12 Step Program or recovery group meetings. These settings are also designed to provide discretion and to protect your privacy. You may participate in these activities anonymously by not sharing your name. It is much more important that you attend meetings and receive the like-minded community and support they offer. Therefore, you will likely never receive pushback if you choose to use a nickname or a pseudonym when attending recovery group activities.
Your Treatmennt Records Will Remain Confidential
As you work through your outpatient program and after you finish, your treatment records will remain confidential. This means you don’t have to worry about future employers and private citizens being able to access your records to learn the details of your addiction. Your privacy is protected by federal law. Individuals who violate drug and alcohol patient confidentiality laws may be required to pay a fine that may range from $500 for the first offense to $5000 for successive offenses. If a licensed or state-certified individual violates patient privacy laws, the offense may result in the revocation of the individual’s license or certification.
Outpatient Treatment With Your Privacy in Mind
If you are considering outpatient treatment for drug or alcohol abuse, we invite you to contact us and discuss your goals, expectations, and concerns. We are committed to maintaining client confidentiality, and we will work with you to make outpatient treatment a seamless, productive, rehabilitative part of your lifestyle. Whether you are a busy executive, or if you are just not ready to share your story with others, our addiction specialists will help you protect your privacy during this critical time. Call us today at 844-639-8371 to learn more about compassionate, professional, discrete outpatient treatment options.