Frequently Asked Questions
What level of confidentiality do I have at Naval Health Clinic Annapolis (NHCA) Behavioral Health Department (BHD)?
By law and professional ethics, your sessions are strictly confidential. Generally, no information will be shared with anyone without your written permission. However, there are some important exceptions to this confidentiality rule which will be discussed with you in detail at your first appointment.
Does any information go into my permanent medical record?
All paperwork generated in the Behavioral Health Department is maintained in Secondary Records to ensure your privacy. Reports and progress notes are documented in your electronic medical recorded (AHLTA). Access to this system is strictly limited to authorized health care providers with a need-to-know. However, all clinical records are considered the property of the U.S. Government and may not represent privileged communication. Access to your records by third parties may be allowed when required by law, regulations, or judicial proceeding. You will be informed of such a request or release as soon as possible.
Naval Health Clinic Annapolis has reasonable security policies and procedures in place to protect personal information from unauthorized loss, misuse, alteration, or destruction. Despite NHCA’s best efforts, however, security cannot be absolutely guaranteed against all threats. To the best of our ability, access to your personal information is limited to those who have a need-to-know. Those individuals who have access to the data are required to maintain the confidentiality of such information. We also make reasonable efforts to retain personal information only for so long as the information is necessary to comply with an individual’s request or until that person asks that the information is deleted.
How do I make an appointment?
Contact the Naval Health Clinic Annapolis Behavioral Health Department directly at 410-293-3208 Monday through Friday from 0730-1600.
What will I do at my first appointment?
When you arrive at the clinic, we will ask you to fill out a comprehensive questionnaire that assists us in the determining your needs. You will then complete three brief assessment questionnaires regarding symptoms that you may be experiencing. After completion of all paperwork, you will have your vital signs taken prior to meeting with your assigned therapist.