Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Confidential information refers to private and sensitive details shared by a patient during therapy sessions that should be kept secret and protected by the psychologist.
Related terms
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act): This law protects patients' medical records, including mental health information, ensuring their privacy.
Obtaining permission from the patient before sharing any confidential information with others involved in their care or outside parties.
Ethical Principle of Non-maleficence: The duty for psychologists to avoid harming their clients by respecting their confidentiality and not disclosing private information without consent.