Request for Records

Texas law requires that requests for mental health records be made in writing. To obtain your records, or your child’s records, please follow the steps below:

Submit a written request

Choose one of the following options:

  • Via Patient Portal: Complete our HIPAA-compliant Authorization form and submit it through the patient portal of Lake Austin Psychotherapy’s electronic health records system.

    Subject line: “REQUEST FOR RECORDS”

    Include: The specific records you are requesting

    The name, address, and/or email address of the intended recipient

  • Via Email (if you do not have portal access) Email your request to info@lakeaustinpsychotherapy.com OR directly to your therapist and an authorization form will be sent to you to complete if there is not one already on file.

    Subject line: “REQUEST FOR RECORDS”

Additional requirements (if applicable):

  • Fees may apply based on time spent exporting, gathering, and sending records and may include billing for correspondence.

  • Couples, family, or third-party records

If you are requesting:

  • Couples counseling records

  • Family counseling records

  • Records for anyone other than yourself or your child

State and federal law require either:

  • A valid Court Order, or

  • An Authorization signed by the individual (or parent/legal guardian)

Relevant law: 45 C.F.R. §164.512(e); Texas Health & Safety Code §§611.004, 611.0045, 611.008

Instructions for Attorneys and Document Companies:

A subpoena alone is not sufficient to compel disclosure of confidential counseling or billing records, or other Protected Health Information (PHI), under HIPAA (45 C.F.R. Chapter 164).

For mental health or medical records requested or subpoenaed in litigation (including testimony), HIPAA permits disclosure only under the following circumstances:

  1. In response to a valid court or administrative tribunal order, or

  2. When the individual (or parent/legal guardian):

  • Is a party to the proceeding

  • Has notice that the PHI has been requested

  • Does not object to the disclosure

An Authorization from the individual or parent satisfies this requirement.

Relevant law: 45 C.F.R. §164.512(e)

Important Note:

If the client or parent has indicated that they do not consent to the release of records:

  • A “Statement of Assurance” will not be accepted

  • A valid Authorization or Court Order will be required