Confidentiality policy
Last updated 30 October 2026
Feeling safe to speak openly is the heart of therapy. This policy explains what I keep private, the few situations where I may have to share information, and how I look after your records. I’ll go through it with you in your first session, and you can ask about it at any time.
— Sammyaka Ambhore
What stays confidential
Everything you share with me stays between us. That includes what you say in sessions, your messages, and the fact that you see me at all. I won’t share it with your family, partner, employer, college, doctor or anyone else without your written consent.
When I may have to share information
Like every psychologist, I work within the law and my professional code of ethics, including the Mental Healthcare Act 2017 in India. In a small number of situations I may need to share information without your consent:
- Serious risk to your life. If I believe you are at immediate risk of seriously harming yourself, I may contact emergency services or a person you have named as your emergency contact.
- Serious risk to someone else. If I believe someone else is at serious risk of harm from you.
- Harm to a child or vulnerable adult. If I learn that a child or a vulnerable adult is being abused or is at risk.
- The law requires it. If a court orders me to share records, or another law requires disclosure.
Wherever it is safe and possible, I will talk with you first, and I will share only what is strictly necessary.
Couples sessions
- What either of you says in a joint session is confidential to the three of us. I won’t discuss it with anyone else.
- Sometimes I may meet each partner on their own. I don’t keep secrets that would undermine the work we are doing together. If you tell me something in an individual session that affects the relationship, I will help you find a way to share it in a joint session.
- If either of you feels unsafe at home, please tell me privately. Your safety comes first, and we will talk about the right kind of support.
Consultation and supervision
To keep my work to a high standard, I sometimes discuss my work with a senior colleague in professional supervision. When I do, I never use your name or details that could identify you.
Online sessions
- Sessions take place on a secure video platform. Neither of us records a session, in video or audio, without the other’s written agreement.
- Please join from a private place where you can’t be overheard. Headphones help.
- I always take online sessions from a private room, with no one else present.
Messages between sessions
You can reach me by WhatsApp, including messages and voice notes between sessions. WhatsApp is end-to-end encrypted, but no messaging app is completely private, especially on a shared phone. Please keep very personal details for our sessions where you can.
Messages are not monitored round the clock. This service is not for emergencies: if you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 112 in India, or your local emergency number if you are abroad. For free mental health support in India, call Tele-MANAS on 14416.
Your records
- I keep brief session notes and your contact details so I can provide good care. I don’t keep recordings.
- Records are stored securely, and only I can access them.
- I keep records only as long as professional and legal duties require, then delete them securely.
- You can ask to see your records, or ask me to correct them.
If we meet outside sessions
If we run into each other in public, I won’t greet you first, to protect your privacy. You are welcome to say hello if you wish. I don’t connect with clients on personal social media.
Sharing information with your consent
If you would like me to speak with your doctor, psychiatrist or another professional, I will only do so with your written consent, and only about what you agree to. You can withdraw your consent at any time.
Questions
If anything here is unclear, ask me in a session or send a message on WhatsApp. For how this website handles personal data, see the privacy notice.