Patients should understand that in communicating with outside agencies, clinic counselors avoid making general, evaluative comments regarding the patient’s clinical status. It is explained to patients that their attendance/toxicology summary sheet serves as their “letter to the judge,” and that they essentially write this letter themselves.

If a patient’s attendance and toxicology are appropriate, staff will not make a comment that overshadows this information. This strategy of stressing to patients the importance of their attendance and toxicology outcomes is intended to be empowering. If handled in a sensitive and precise manner this approach can enhance treatment outcomes.

Recipients of released information include administration for children services (ACS), the department of parole/probation, drug court programs, employers, treatment programs, schools, and family members. Several release consent forms may have to be completed for each individual resource. Telephone contact may be necessary with each separate agency or person.

The counselor should explore with the client any potential problems in sharing treatment information with outside sources. Patients are to be assured that signing a release to one agency does not mean that confidentiality rights have been given up with regard to any other person or agency.

Handling these matters appropriately should help reduce patient’s anxiety, improve therapeutic bonding, and provide better motivation for a successful treatment outcome