How does confidentiality apply when an adult clients parent calls ...

[Medesa]

How does confidentiality apply when an adult clients parent calls to see how she is doing?
 
  a. Unless the client has given the counselor written permission to talk with the parent, the counselor is not at liberty even to admit that the counseling relationship exists.
  b. Confidentiality does not apply to family members.
  c. The counselor can do whatever is in the best interest of the client.
  d. If the parent brought the client to sessions, it is all right for the counselor to discuss the client with his or her parent.
  e. Whether or not the counselor talks to the parent depends on the counselors theoretical orientation.

Question 2

When a client is referred by an agency such as a school or a court, what are the counselors obligations regarding confidentiality?
 
  a. The clients confidentiality is absolute.
  b. The counselor decides what is in the clients best interest. For instance, if a probation officer calls and asks if the client came to his or her last appointment, as long as the news is good, the counselor can say yes.
  c. The counselor should clarify with all parties exactly who the client is and document, in writing, what access each of the respective parties has to the clients file.
  d. If the counselor works in a school, any school employee has access to the counselors notes.
  e. The counselor just completes whatever forms are sent by the court or school and assumes that they have completed the appropriate paperwork with the client.

[ricroger]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: a

Answer to Question 2

Answer: c