National Counselor Exam (NCE)

From an ethical perspective, what is a counselor's responsibility regarding client information?

1. Keep all client information private unless court-ordered

2. Share information with colleagues freely

3. Disclose client information to family members

4. Always obtain consent before sharing client information

The correct answer is: Always obtain consent before sharing client information

A counselor's responsibility regarding client information is to always obtain consent before sharing that information. This principle is rooted in the ethical standards set forth by professional organizations such as the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA). Respect for client autonomy and confidentiality is vital, and clients have the right to control the disclosure of their personal information. Obtaining consent not only builds trust between the counselor and client but also ensures that the client understands the implications of sharing their information. It protects client privacy and can help to empower clients by involving them in decisions regarding their treatment. This practice aligns with ethical guidelines that emphasize the need for informed consent, ensuring that clients are aware of who their information may be shared with and for what purpose. This responsibility emphasizes that anything less—such as sharing information without consent—could violate the ethical principles which protect client confidentiality and autonomy.