Confidentiality
Therapy sessions with children and teenagers are confidential, just as they are with adults. Protecting privacy helps build trust between the therapist and young person, which is essential for meaningful progress.
While general themes, goals, and areas of focus may be shared with parents, the specific details of what a teen says or does in session remain private. This allows them to feel safe being open and honest in therapy.
There are important exceptions to confidentiality. Therapists are legally and ethically required to inform parents if a child or teen expresses intent to harm themselves or others, or if there are concerns about abuse or violence.
Whenever appropriate, therapists will encourage teens to include their parents in conversations or may invite parents to join a session if it would benefit the therapeutic process. Parents are also welcome to schedule a time to speak with the therapist directly by phone or Telehealth to discuss their teen's progress in a supportive, collaborative way.
While general themes, goals, and areas of focus may be shared with parents, the specific details of what a teen says or does in session remain private. This allows them to feel safe being open and honest in therapy.
There are important exceptions to confidentiality. Therapists are legally and ethically required to inform parents if a child or teen expresses intent to harm themselves or others, or if there are concerns about abuse or violence.
Whenever appropriate, therapists will encourage teens to include their parents in conversations or may invite parents to join a session if it would benefit the therapeutic process. Parents are also welcome to schedule a time to speak with the therapist directly by phone or Telehealth to discuss their teen's progress in a supportive, collaborative way.