CLIENTS’ RIGHTS: It is EAL’s policy to protect the rights of clients. Each client receiving EAP services have the following rights:
- The right to be treated with respect for personal dignity, autonomy and privacy.
- The right to be informed of one’s own treatment plan and of the alternatives.
- The right to consent to or refuse any service.
- The right to a current, written, individualized treatment plan that addresses the presenting problem and specifies the provision of appropriate and adequate services available by the Organization or through referral to a specialist.
- The right to informed participation in the review of the treatment plan.
- The right to confidentiality of all communications and all personally identifying information within the limitations and requirements for disclosure where there is threat to life, where there is a signed release of information specifically authorized by the client or parent or legal guardian of a minor client or court appointed guardian of the client or where required by law.
- The right to have access to one’s own records.
- The right to be informed in advance of the reason(s) for discontinuance of service provision and to be involved in planning for the consequences of that event.
- The right to receive an explanation of the reasons for denial of service.
- The right not to be discriminated against in the provision of service on the basis of race, ethnicity, skin colour, sex, religion, national origin, age or sexual orientation.
- The right to be fully informed to the basic expectations for use of the EAP service.
- The right to be informed of your rights.
- The right to file a grievance and to have oral written information for doing same.
- The right to know the qualifications of staff who provide the EAP services.
CLIENTS’ RESPONSIBILITY: Clients have the responsibility to:
- Give accurate information about their presenting problem, mental health, substance use, domestic violence issues as well as other circumstances which might impact upon their care.
- Inform staff immediately if they have any concerns or problems with the service they are receiving.
- Keep your scheduled appointments and let us know as soon as possible if you cannot keep one.
- Between sessions, think through the concerns you are addressing in counselling.
- Follow through on treatment recommendations and complete your counselling homework assignments.
- We ask that you end your work with us in a termination session, rather than not keeping your appointment. This way you can share and discuss with your counsellor what was useful and what could have been improved.
- If you feel that you might harm yourself or others, contact EAL immediately at 622-6594.
Source: EAL Clients’ Rights and Responsibilities; also Tufts University Counselling and Mental Health Service
