What are the limits on confidentiality in counseling?
A student’s privacy rights are protected by both federal and state laws. Prior to beginning counseling, the student is provided information about counseling services including the limits of confidentiality. S/he has the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the information and then gives signed consent to participate in counseling. What a student shares in psychotherapy is confidential unless the student is deemed to be a danger to himself or others or is gravely disabled (i.e., unable to provide food, clothing, or shelter). Therapists are also required to file a report if the abuse of a child, an elderly person, a developmentally disabled or a dependent adult is revealed. A student may also be required to waive his/her rights to privacy if s/he is engaged in a legal situation in which s/he is suing another party for emotional damages. In such a situation, there may be a court-issued subpoena for the student’s record. Otherwise no information is provided to anyone outside of the Cou
Related Questions
- What are some of the ethical considerations, such as privacy and social worker/client confidentiality, I should be aware of in providing EAP counseling services?
- How is confidentiality affected in couples or parent/child counseling sessions?
- what are the importance of confidentiality in counseling and psychotherapy?
