Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Confidential patient information refers to any private and personal data shared by a patient with their psychologist during therapy sessions, which is expected to be kept confidential unless explicit consent is given for its disclosure.
Informed consent refers to the process of obtaining permission from a patient before engaging in any psychological treatment or sharing their confidential information.
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act): HIPAA is a law that protects patients' privacy rights by regulating how healthcare providers handle and disclose their personal health information.
Ethical Codes: Ethical codes are guidelines established by professional organizations, such as the American Psychological Association (APA), which outline standards of conduct for psychologists including confidentiality obligations.