School counselors recognize their primary obligation regarding confidentiality is to the student but balance that obligation with an understanding of the family or guardians’ legal and inherent rights to be the guiding voice in their children’s lives (ASCA, 2016). The role of the school counselor regarding confidentiality is: - To support the students’ right to privacy and protect confidential information received from students, the family, guardians and staff members - To explain the meaning and limits of confidentiality to students in developmentally appropriate terms.
- To provide appropriate disclosure and informed consent regarding the counseling relationship and confidentiality - To inform students and the family of the limits to confidentiality when: 1. the student poses a danger to self or others 2. there is a court-ordered disclosure 3. consulting with other professionals, such as colleagues, supervisors, treatment teams and other support personnel, in support of the student 4. privileged communication is not granted by state laws and local guidelines