What is defined as confidential information in the context of psychology?

In the context of psychology, confidential information is best understood as information that requires client permission for disclosure. This principle is grounded in the ethical obligations and legal standards that govern the psychologist-client relationship. Confidentiality is essential for building trust, allowing clients to share sensitive personal information without fear of it being disclosed without their consent.

When clients engage in therapy, they do so with the expectation that their disclosures will remain private unless they explicitly grant permission for their psychologist to share that information. This protection extends to various forms of communication that occur in therapy settings, reinforcing the idea that the client retains control over their personal information.

While information shared during therapy may seem to fall under confidentiality, it is the requirement for client permission for any disclosure that solidifies it as confidential information. Not all information shared during therapy is exempt from disclosure; there are circumstances including threats of harm or abuse, where confidentiality may be broken legally and ethically. Therefore, recognizing the necessity of client consent is critical in understanding what constitutes confidential information in psychology.