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Confidentiality

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a counselor. This means that the Counselor cannot share information without a release of information consent form, signed by the client.

 

However, there are some exceptions by law, that a Counselor can break confidentiality under the following circumstances below. 

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Suicidal or Homicidal Threat

  • Client threatens to hurt themself or someone else

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Any type of abuse

​Including: 

  • Child abuse

  • Elder abuse

  • Animal abuse

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Contagious, Life- Threating Diseases

  • If a client discloses they have a communicable and life threatening disease, Counselor may be justified in disclosing information to identifiable third parties, if the parties are known to be at serious and foreseeable risk of contracting the disease. 

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If Counselor is Court Ordered by Subpoena

  • Counselor must respond to court subpoena

  • Counselor will respond with the client's confidentiality and best legal and ethical practices in mind.

© 2026. Marisa Schuster, MA, LPC, NCC, BC-TMH. CGP, CFRC, CCATP

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