Client Confidentiality

Definition

Client confidentiality refers to the ethical duty of psychologists to keep all information shared by clients private unless given permission or when there is a legal obligation or threat that requires disclosure.

Related terms

Informed Consent:

The process where psychologists inform clients about the purpose, risks, benefits, and potential outcomes of therapy before they begin treatment.

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act): A law that protects patients' medical records privacy rights in healthcare settings.

Privileged Communication: Legal protection for confidential communications between licensed professionals (like therapists) and their clients/patients during therapy sessions.