Confidential Resources – What does that mean? And who are they?

Confidential resources may not share your information without your expressed consent unless there is imminent danger to self or others, or as otherwise required by law (e.g., mandatory reporting for sexual violence against minors). 

Confidential resources at Dartmouth include:

• Dartmouth Student Health Service staff (e.g., physicians, nurses, counselors, pharmacists, athletic trainers for varsity athletes, Student Health Service administrators)
• Therapists contracted with Dartmouth (e.g., Uwill and Uhelp counselors)
• Ordained clergy (e.g., the College Chaplain and the Muslim chaplain at the Tucker Center)
• Affiliated ordained clergy (e.g., rabbis at Hillel and Chabad)
• WISE Campus Advocate.

If you disclose thoughts of causing harm to yourself (e.g., thoughts of suicide) to a medical professional, the medical professional will typically ask you additional questions to better understand your situation and how they can help. There are many ways that students and medical providers can work together to support a student’s safety while also protecting confidentiality. It is extremely rare that resources outside of the confidential relationship need to be utilized to ensure safety.

If you want a confidential resource like a healthcare provider to share your information with someone else (e.g., a family member, advising dean), you may be asked to sign a release of information form, or “ROI.” An ROI specifies which information you give permission to share and who you want the information shared with.