One of the fundamentals of counseling is confidentiality, which is essential to establish trust and rapport in the counseling relationship.
Limits of confidentiality in any helping relationship: When there are signs or symptoms of abuse or neglect, it is my ethical and legal obligation to report this to the appropriate authorities and Diocese policy to report this information to the head of school. When a client discloses intent to harm self or others, I am also ethically and legally obligated to notify parents/guardians and to establish a plan to insure the safety of the student.
When counseling occurs in a school setting, it is often important to consult with other professionals who are involved in the academic success of the student. I will get the permission of the student and family before sharing information with others and I will always use the utmost discretion when this type of consultation occurs.
Please read the ASCA’s statement on confidentiality:
A.2. Confidentiality
The professional school counselor:
a. Informs students of the purposes, goals, techniques and rules of procedure under which they may receive counseling at or before the time when the counseling relationship is entered. Disclosure notice includes the limits of confidentiality such as the possible necessity for consulting with other professionals, privileged communication, and legal or authoritative restraints. The meaning and limits of confidentiality are defined in developmentally appropriate terms to students.
b. Keeps information confidential unless disclosure is required to prevent clear and imminent danger to the student or others or when legal requirements demand that confidential information be revealed. Counselors will consult with appropriate professionals when in doubt as to the validity of an exception.
c. In absence of state legislation expressly forbidding disclosure, considers the ethical responsibility to provide information to an identified third party who, by his/her relationship with the student, is at a high risk of contracting a disease that is commonly known to be communicable and fatal. Disclosure requires satisfaction of all of the following conditions:
• Student identifies partner or the partner is highly identifiable
• Counselor recommends the student notify partner and refrain from further high-risk behavior
• Student refuses
• Counselor informs the student of the intent to notify the partner
• Counselor seeks legal consultation as to the legalities of informing the partner
d. Requests of the court that disclosure not be required when the release of confidential information may potentially harm a student or the counseling relationship.
e. Protects the confidentiality of students’ records and releases personal data in accordance with prescribed laws and school policies. Student information stored and transmitted electronically is treated with the same care as traditional student records.
f. Protects the confidentiality of information received in the counseling relationship as specified by federal and state laws, written policies and applicable ethical standards. Such information is only to be revealed to others with the informed consent of the student, consistent with the counselor’s ethical obligation.
g. Recognizes his/her primary obligation for confidentiality is to the student but balances that obligation with an understanding of the legal and inherent rights of parents/guardians to be the guiding voice in their children’s lives.
From http://www.schoolcounselor.org/content.asp?contentid=173
