All consultations with the UAB Employee Assistance & Counseling Center (EACC) are strictly confidential. Records are stored securely off-site, separate from medical, student, and personnel files, and are accessible only by EACC staff. Information is protected by law and will not be released without your explicit written permission.

Exceptions to Confidentiality

Information may be disclosed only as required by law or in specific emergency circumstances, which include:

• Risk of Harm: Imminent threats of suicide, imminent danger to another individual, or emergency medical situations requiring immediate attention.
• Abuse and Neglect: Suspected or known abuse or neglect of children, the elderly, or disabled individuals, including reports originating from a third party.
• Legal and Regulatory Mandates: Valid legal subpoenas, court orders, and other state or federal mandates.
• Couples and Family Counseling: Records involving multiple participants require a written release from all participating parties or a judge's order.

During the intake session, the client is asked to sign a specific limited consent form that enables the counselor to consult with other professional staff members of the Employee Assistance & Counseling Center. The specific limited consent form does not in any way imply or grant consent to release any information regarding client counseling to anyone outside of the Employee Assistance & Counseling Center.

If you are referred by your supervisor, you will be given the option of signing a limited release to allow the Employee Assistance & Counseling Center counselor to verify your attendance and participation. No other information regarding clients or client attendance may be released at any time to anyone without your prior written consent of the client. This includes requests for information by supervisors, family members, treatment facilities, and all others.

The Employee Assistance & Counseling Center counselors understand that the assurance of confidentiality is essential to counseling progress and are dedicated to upholding their professional code of ethics and the Employee Assistance & Counseling Center policy of ensuring client confidentiality.