According to the ASCA Ethical Standards, what must counselors maintain in regard to student information?

The ASCA Ethical Standards emphasize the importance of confidentiality in the counseling relationship. Counselors are entrusted with sensitive information from students and are responsible for protecting the confidentiality of that information. This principle is fundamental to building trust and rapport between the counselor and student, allowing students to feel safe in disclosing personal issues without fear of their information being shared inappropriately.

Maintaining confidentiality means that counselors must carefully consider when, how, and to whom student information may be disclosed, ensuring that such disclosures comply with legal and ethical guidelines. Situations that may warrant breaking confidentiality—such as risk of harm to the student or others—must be handled with care and in accordance with ethical standards.

While transparency, accountability, and documentation are also important aspects of the counseling process, confidentiality is the core requirement that directly addresses the protection of student information. Understanding the significance of confidentiality helps counselors navigate sensitive information responsibly and ethically in their practice.