Mr. Zenner adheres to the Professional Code of Conduct for his practice which is formulated by the Louisiana Licensing Board of Examiners, which governs his practice. In addition, Mr. Zenner adheres to the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers.

A client is anyone who makes contact with anyone on the staff, even one time, for the purpose of personally seeking mental health information, referrals, counseling, advocacy, and the like.  The contact may be indirect, such as a phone contact, or direct, like face-to-face.

 We regard confidentiality in all matters concerning clients as essential to providing any services and as the legal and ethical responsibility of all personnel associated with our office.  Observing client's confidentiality protects the safety, well-being and confidence of people we serve.  It also honors the trust which a client places in our personnel and in  Acadiana Counseling as a whole.

 Confidentiality applies to any contacts with a client as well as to written client records, documents, and/or files.  Unless written authorization for the release and/or exchange of confidential information is given, no knowledge of or revealing information about the client may be shared outside the office.  This written consent may be given by an adult client or the parent/guardian of a minor client.  Within the office, information-sharing about a client is limited to what is necessary to providing coordinated, effective services to the client. 

There are legal exceptions to the rule of confidentiality.  One exception occurs in the case of suspected or acknowledged child abuse. State law identifies the obligation to report cases of child abuse is encountered in the course of duty.  The law outlines the legal consequences of failure to report and also provides protection for the reporter unless the information if given maliciously or without reasonable grounds for suspicion. Reports of suspected or known child abuse will be made to the Louisiana Office of Human Development.  In making such reports, whatever information necessary to the allegation of child abuse will be given.  Another exception relates to life threatening situations.  The law requires a report to law enforcement of knowledge from a client of serious intent to harm others or if someone is a real danger to her or his own self.  Reports of this type will be made in compliance with the law and only necessary client information would by revealed in such reports.