Are Therapy Sessions Confidential?
There are specific laws and regulations in place to protect your privacy, but confidentiality is a key part of the code of ethics within psychology.
Let’s face it – sharing your deepest, darkest thoughts with a stranger can be pretty scary. You may have a fear of being judged, or perhaps you’re concerned about the therapist sharing private information with others.
But in order for therapy to be effective, there needs to be a level of trust between the therapist and the client.
An important thing to note is that in nearly every instance, the information disclosed in therapy will be kept confidential. Much like a doctor, a therapist is required to keep your records private.
The Limits of Confidentiality in Therapy
There are specific laws and regulations in place to protect your privacy, but confidentiality is a key part of the code of ethics within psychology. In the United States, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is used.
A reputable therapist will know, from the beginning, the importance of making their client feel safe enough to openly share. And in order to do this, the client needs to have full faith in the confidentiality of their sessions.
That being said, there are some exceptions to the rule of confidentiality during therapy sessions. Therapists are required to break confidentiality if:
- A client is at risk of harm, or at risk of harming others
This could include plans of suicide, ongoing self-harm or threatening to harm another person. In this instance, the client may be recommended hospitalization so they can be monitored in a safe environment.
- There is suspected ongoing child abuse or neglect
If this is suspected or declared, law enforcement and child protective services may be informed. If an adult discloses they were abused as a child, the therapist isn’t typically obligated to report this, unless there are other children at risk of being abused.
- A minor is at risk
If a minor is seeking therapy and is engaging in risky behavior, their parents or stated guardians may be informed.
- A court order has been issued
The therapist may release information if they receive a court order to do so. This situation could occur if a client’s mental health is considered during legal proceedings.
If you have concerns regarding the limitations of confidentiality, it’s worth having this conversation prior to starting the sessions. Establishing these ground rules can help to establish a level of trust and understanding between the therapist and client.
Confidentiality Regulations for Minors
The rules and regulations around confidentiality for those under 18 years old varies by state. Typically, a parent or responsible guardian would be involved with a minor who receives therapy. This may be concerning for those under 18, particularly those within turbulent or abusive environments.
However, therapists want their clients to feel comfortable and safe to express their feelings, so will take every step to ensure their privacy is respected. Typically, during the first session, ground rules would be laid out on what information will be shared with parents, and what will be kept confidential.
In the most common case, parents are only informed when their minor is engaging in risky activities that pose harm to their lives.
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If you’ve decided to take up therapy, we want you to have the best experience from your sessions. Westchester Therapy Match want to make sure that you’re matched with the right therapist for your needs.
We have created a simple quiz that takes less than five minutes to complete. We will use your answers to better understand who you are and what you’re looking for so we can match you with a top-ranked therapist. Click here to take the quiz.
