For the purpose of this chapter, the confidential relations and communications between licensed marriage and family therapists and clients are placed upon the same basis as those provided by law between attorney and client, and nothing in this chapter shall be construed to require any such privileged communication to be disclosed, except in the following circumstances:
(1) As mandated by law.
(2) To prevent a clear and immediate danger to a person or persons.
(3) Where the therapist is a defendant in a civil, criminal, or disciplinary action arising from the therapy, in which case client confidences may be disclosed only in the course of that action.
(4) Where the client is a defendant in a criminal proceeding and the use of the privilege would violate the defendant's right to a compulsory process or the right to present testimony and witnesses in his or her own behalf, or both.
(5) If there is a waiver previously obtained in writing, the information may be revealed only in accordance with the terms of the waiver. In circumstances where more than one person in a family receives therapy conjointly, each family member who is legally competent to execute a waiver shall agree to the waiver referred to in this subdivision. Without a waiver from each family member legally competent to execute a waiver, a therapist may not disclose information received from any family member.
(6) Where there is a duty to warn under the limited circumstances set forth in Section 34-17A-23.
Structure Code of Alabama
Title 34 - Professions and Businesses.
Chapter 17A - Marriage and Family Therapists.
Section 34-17A-1 - Short Title.
Section 34-17A-2 - Legislative Intent.
Section 34-17A-3 - Definitions.
Section 34-17A-4 - Acts Prohibited.
Section 34-17A-5 - Exemptions.
Section 34-17A-6 - Creation of Board; Composition; Vacancies; Removal.
Section 34-17A-7 - Employees; Meetings; Powers.
Section 34-17A-8 - Application.
Section 34-17A-9 - Education and Experience Requirements (Prior to July 1, 1998)
Section 34-17A-10 - Education and Experience Requirements.
Section 34-17A-11 - Examinations.
Section 34-17A-12 - Persons Licensed or Certified in Other States.
Section 34-17A-13 - Fees; Duration of License; Renewal.
Section 34-17A-14 - Disciplinary Actions.
Section 34-17A-15 - Administrative Procedure.
Section 34-17A-16 - Promulgation of Rules, Regulations, and Procedures.
Section 34-17A-17 - Judicial Review.
Section 34-17A-18 - Expert Witnesses.
Section 34-17A-19 - Additional Remedy.
Section 34-17A-20 - Violation.
Section 34-17A-21 - Therapists - Privileged Communications; Exceptions.
Section 34-17A-22 - Therapists - Testimony in Alimony or Divorce Actions.
Section 34-17A-23 - Therapists - Duties and Liability.
Section 34-17A-24 - Annual Report.
Section 34-17A-25 - Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family Therapy Fund.