Confidentiality Disclosure

Radiant Hope Biblical Counseling exists to offer Christ-centered counsel grounded in the truth and sufficiency of God’s Word. We aim to walk alongside individuals, couples, and families as they seek to honor Christ in every area of life. Because trust is vital in counseling, we want to be transparent about how we handle the sensitive information you may share with us.

1. Confidentiality Is Respected

We regard the content of your counseling sessions as private. What you share with your counselor will be kept confidential and will not be disclosed to others unless you give written consent. We do not gossip, speculate, or disclose your struggles as prayer requests without your knowledge or permission. As Proverbs 11:13 says, “Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.”

2. Biblical Grounds for Limited Disclosure

There are, however, times when Scripture and wisdom call for disclosure. We are not licensed mental health professionals. We are biblical counselors under the authority of God’s Word and Christ’s Church. Because of that, there are situations where we are obligated, before God and man, to involve others:

• Danger to self or others: If you threaten to harm yourself or someone else, we will take steps to ensure safety.
  
  
• Ongoing abuse: If we learn of ongoing abuse of a child, elderly person, or vulnerable adult, we are obligated to report it to the appropriate authorities and/or church leaders.
  
  
• Criminal activity: If you reveal involvement in criminal behavior, we may need to report it to civil authorities.
  
  
• Unrepentant sin requiring church discipline: If after patient counseling and warnings, you persist in serious, unrepentant sin (e.g., sexual immorality, abuse, fraud, etc.), we may involve the leadership of your local church in accordance with Matthew 18:15-17.
  
  
• Supervision and oversight: From time to time, your case may be discussed with other trusted counselors or elders for supervision, accountability, or training purposes. These individuals will also be bound to confidentiality.
  
  

We do not disclose sensitive details lightly or out of mere suspicion. Our goal in any disclosure is always your restoration, safety, and the honor of Christ.

3. Not a Secular Counseling Relationship

Because we operate as a biblical counseling ministry and not as licensed therapists, your participation in counseling is voluntary, pastoral in nature, and subject to the authority of Scripture. We are not required to comply with HIPAA regulations, though we strive to handle your information with the utmost integrity.

4. Counseling Minors and Parental Involvement

We believe Scripture places the primary responsibility for training and shepherding children upon their parents (see Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Ephesians 6:1-4). For that reason, we will not counsel a minor (under 18 years of age) without the written consent and ongoing involvement of a parent or legal guardian.

When counseling a minor:

• Parental Consent is Required: A parent or legal guardian must complete and sign this confidentiality disclosure and a separate consent form prior to the beginning of any counseling sessions.
  
  
• Parental Involvement is Encouraged: While we will seek to build trust with the minor counselee, we will also seek to involve parents in the counseling process, especially when guidance, accountability, or follow-up is needed in the home.
  
  
• Confidentiality with Minors is Not Absolute: While we will seek to respect the privacy of what a minor shares, we will not promise secrecy. If the minor discloses matters involving danger, sin, or situations requiring pastoral or parental involvement, we will inform the parent or guardian. We will aim to do this with grace and care, and, where appropriate, in partnership with the minor counselee.
  
  
• Safety and Legality Take Priority: If we believe a minor is being abused, neglected, or endangered in any way, we are biblically and legally obligated to report it to the appropriate authorities.
  
  

Radiant Hope aims to come alongside families and not replace or undermine parental authority. Our desire is to support parents as they seek to bring up their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

5. Consent to Counsel Biblically

By entering into counseling at Radiant Hope, you affirm your understanding that we will be offering counsel based on the Bible, not psychology or secular theory. You also acknowledge and accept the boundaries of confidentiality explained in this document.