Ocean Ridge Treatment & Recovery
Detox, Treatment, Recovery
Deciding to seek substance abuse treatment is a courageous step—and for many employees, one of the biggest concerns is whether their confidential information will stay protected when they reach out for help. At Ocean Ridge Recovery, we understand that confidentiality isn’t just a courtesy—it’s a legal and ethical necessity that gives people the confidence to heal without fear of judgment, exposure, or job loss.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through what confidentiality really means in the workplace, what your rights are, and how your identity, health details, and treatment plans are protected every step of the way.
In a professional treatment environment, confidentiality refers to the obligation to protect and withhold any confidential information shared by a person receiving care. This includes your name, medical records, employment status, and even the fact that you’re seeking services at all.
At Ocean Ridge, we abide by all applicable confidentiality agreements and privacy laws, including:
Unless you give written permission, no one—including your employer—can access, disclose, or request details about your treatment without your consent.
In most cases, employers are only notified of your need for leave—not the reason for it. If you take time off under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), for example, your HR team may know you’re on medical leave, but they are not permitted to disclose information about your specific health condition or the treatment services you’re receiving.
Your treatment provider will only share what’s absolutely necessary, and only if you sign a confidentiality agreement authorizing it. This helps maintain confidentiality and gives you full control over your disclosure.
Protecting your confidential information is a priority at Ocean Ridge. We use secure systems, encrypted communications, and carefully trained staff to safeguard your identity and medical records. Our team follows strict conduct and privacy protocols designed to ensure your information is never mishandled or disclosed without proper authorization.
Here’s an example: If your employer needs documentation for FMLA, we’ll provide only what’s required—such as confirmation from a professional healthcare provider—without mentioning substance abuse treatment or disclosing details about your care.
If you’re working with your HR department to arrange time off or make adjustments to your workload, you can choose to disclose information relevant to your situation. But you’re not obligated to share more than necessary. Our team can help determine what’s appropriate to share and help draft any supporting documentation you need, while still honoring your confidentiality.
As a client, you have the right to:
At the same time, you also have a responsibility to address your needs proactively and work with your treatment team to develop a personalized care plan that supports both your recovery and your role as an employee.
We know that employees face unique concerns when it comes to seeking help. Whether you’re navigating EAP services, medical leave, or just trying to figure out how to take the next step, Ocean Ridge is here to provide compassionate, confidential, and professional support.
If you’re ready to get help but don’t know how to discuss your options safely, contact us today. We’ll walk you through your rights, answer your questions, and help you maintain confidentiality while getting the life-changing care you deserve.
Our medical, clinical, and counseling staffs on site are available 24/7.