Procedures to Share Treatment Information Among Mental Health Providers, Consumers, and Families

Although practice guidelines for the treatment of persons with severe mental illness recommend involving family members in all phases of the treatment process, in many states unclear confidentiality statutes and regulations may present a barrier. This paper describes approaches used by a few locales to clarify confidentiality procedures for releasing information to families. It presents a model of steps that regional systems or local agencies may take to manage this barrier to provider-family collaboration. Policy guidelines must clearly state that release of information to family members requires client consent. A specific form for release of information to families indicating the types of information that may be released is then developed. Verbal release of information and a one-year time limit on release are recommended. The form, which should comply with state statutes and regulations, can then be integrated into routine clinical practice. Providers should be trained to discuss and explore issues about the release of information with both consumers and family members.