How to Request Your Records
You have a right to your mental health records. That's true under federal law (HIPAA) and Texas law, and it's also just how we believe care should work. If you've been a client at Discovery Counseling Austin, your records are yours to access.
This page walks you through how to request them, what's included, and what to expect.
What You Can Request
There are a few different things you might be asking for. It helps to know which one you actually need.
A treatment summary. A short overview of your diagnosis, dates of service, and treatment progress. Often what insurance, attorneys, or other providers actually need.
A copy of your full record. All session notes, assessments, treatment plans, and other documentation in your file.
Records sent to another provider. If you're transferring care or need a new provider to have context, we can send records directly to them with your written permission.
If you're not sure which one is right for your situation, just tell us what you need it for and we'll help you figure it out.
How to Request
Email our records team at admin@discoverycounselingaustin.com . Let us know your full name, date of birth, the clinician you saw, and what type of records you need.
We'll send you a release form. This is a simple form that confirms what you're requesting and gives us permission to release the records to you (or to whoever you'd like them sent to).
Sign and return the form. Email, mail, or drop off in person works.
We'll prepare and send your records. Most requests are completed within 15 business days, and always within 30 days as required by HIPAA.
Fees
There's no charge for a simple treatment summary or for records sent directly to another healthcare provider. For full records or large files, we may charge a small fee to cover the cost of copying and postage. We'll always let you know about any fees before we begin.
A Few Things Worth Knowing
Records of minors. If your child is or was a client, you may have the right to access their records as their parent or legal guardian. There are some situations where a minor's record is protected from parental access, especially for adolescents. We'll walk you through this if it applies.
Psychotherapy notes are different. Federal law treats a clinician's personal psychotherapy notes (sometimes called process notes) as separate from the medical record. These are the clinician's private notes used to help them think through your care, and they aren't released as part of a standard records request.
Court-ordered evaluations. If your records relate to a court-ordered evaluation, additional rules apply. Reach out and we'll help you navigate the process.
Questions?
Email us at admin@discoverycounselingaustin.com or call (512) 607-9360. We're happy to help you sort out exactly what you need.