2 answers
2 answers
Updated
Caitlin’s Answer
Each state has always dictating confidentiality for both children and adults. As many of the others have answered, there are always courses on the laws and ethics of counseling in the state you are receiving your degree in. Generally speaking if a child is being hurt. Hurting themselves, or has a clear and distinct plan to hurt others than it is mandated reporting. Generally (again each state has specific laws) outside of those areas what is said between you and a client, even an adolescent, is confidential privilege.
Updated
Nick’s Answer
This is a complicated topic, but the short answer is that as a medical professional, you follow a combination of laws from your state, laws from the federal government, and guidelines from your employer to know when to discuss things with parents or authorities. An example rule is that in most States, a psychiatrist is required to tell authorities (police or child protective services) when a child tells them about abuse that is taking place (most states require this of teachers too!).
Many training programs for counselors/psychiatrists will have entire courses dedicated to this subject, so it's definitely not something you're expected to figure out on your own!
Many training programs for counselors/psychiatrists will have entire courses dedicated to this subject, so it's definitely not something you're expected to figure out on your own!
Thank you for the advice, Nick.
Layla