Onward psychiatry solutions policies and state and federal law protect the privacy of patient identities and information. In general, any disclosure of clinical information requires a written consent from you, or, if you are under the age of 18, a parent or guardian. Disclosures, however, can occur without written consent in certain specific circumstances, such as by judicial order or in a medical emergency. Onward staff are "mandated reporters" for child and elder abuse and have a duty to warn if it is felt that you are a danger to yourself or to someone else.