What must a school counselor balance with their obligation of confidentiality?

A school counselor has a duty to maintain confidentiality in order to build trust with students and provide them with a safe space to discuss personal concerns. However, this obligation does not exist in a vacuum. There are circumstances in which a counselor must balance this confidentiality with the legal rights of parents and guardians.

Parents and guardians have a legal right to access information about their child's well-being and educational progress. This can be especially important when there are concerns regarding the child's safety, substance abuse, or other significant issues that may require parental involvement. In some cases, legal mandates may require counselors to disclose information if a student poses a threat to themselves or others, which often necessitates involving the parents or guardians.

Recognizing this balance is crucial in ensuring that counselors meet their ethical obligations while also complying with legal requirements and protecting the best interests of the students in their care. This understanding enables counselors to navigate complex situations where a student’s right to confidentiality may conflict with parental rights or obligations.