Website

I use Google Analytics to track how this website, and the associated blog, are used. Data are collected in the aggregate, and include location (city and country), landing and exiting pages, links clicked, and browser and connection speed. No information is kept on individual visitors. This website does not read or write cookies.

Blog

A widget called Feedjit displays basic information about individual visitors (location, which post was read, and sometimes the URL that led to the visit, or the link used to leave the site). This information is not recorded or stored, and is not personally identifiable. You may comment on posts anonymously — just leave the Name, Mail, and Website fields blank. However, any information you include is stored for my personal use. If I publish your comment, your stated name and any URL, but not your email address, will be visible publicly. Please use your own discretion about identifying yourself.

Psychiatric practice

In my clinical work, it is my aim and promise to protect your confidentiality as fully as the law allows. Confidentiality is essential to psychiatric care, and my concern for your confidentiality is one reason I am not on managed care insurance panels, as explained here.

I will not release information about you to anyone without informing you first, and in almost all cases only after you give me clear permission. There are a few circumstances where the law requires me to disclose information even without your permission. Child or dependent-elder abuse must be reported. A valid subpeona by the court may force me to release records or testify about your case. Immediate risk of self-harm (suicide), inability to care for yourself, or clear intent to hurt others forces me to breach your confidentiality to maintain the physical safety of yourself or others. Please note that suicidal or violent feelings — feelings about anything really — are not reportable in themselves, and that talking about such feelings in confidence can be the best way to defuse them.

Occasionally I use a clinical example from my own practice in my blogging or teaching. I always disguise personal details or leave the description so vague that even the patient would not recognize himself or herself. This is a very strict standard. But if the possibility still troubles you, please let me know and I promise I will never refer to your situation at all, even in highly disguised or derivative ways.