CALIFORNIA EVIDENCE: CIVIL AND CRIMINAL
...Privileges
......Psychotherapist-Patient Privilege
.........Exceptions
............Child Custody & Dependency
4 Cards On This Topic:

Psychotherapist-patient privilege is waived if issue of mental or emotional condition is tendered by patient in proceeding.

Despite psychotherapist- patient privilege, court should have allowed M's therapist to divulge limited information on which decision on conjoint therapy or visitation could be based.

Psychotherapist-patient privilege protects M's confidential communications, but does not preclude therapist from giving limited info to accomplish information-gathering goal of therapy.

Psychotherapist-patient privilege applies in custody/visitation proceeding; possibility that parent may be emotionally unstable insufficient to overcome privilege.