Opinion ID: 1952232
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Testimonial Privileges for Counselors and Social Workers

Text: [¶ 15] Branch-Wear argues that the court should have excluded the testimony of Barbur and Schoen pursuant to 32 M.R.S.A. §§ 7005, 13862, establishing privileges for communications between licensed social workers and licensed counselors, respectively, and their clients. We review the trial court's evidentiary rulings as to admissibility for abuse of discretion. State v. Case, 672 A.2d 586, 588 (Me.1996); Hatch v. Maine Tank Co., 666 A.2d 90, 95 (Me.1995). Because neither Schoen nor Barbur meet the statutory definitions of social worker or counselor, State v. Boobar, 637 A.2d 1162, 1169 (Me.1994) (statutory privilege applies only to information disclosed to licensed professionals), and because Branch-Wear waived any privilege she may claim by making her statements to them in the presence of third parties, M.R.Evid. 510, the court did not abuse its discretion in allowing the two witnesses to testify. The entry is Judgment affirmed.