When is it appropriate for a school counselor to break confidentiality?

A school counselor is ethically and legally bound to maintain confidentiality within the counseling relationship. However, there are specific circumstances under which breaking confidentiality is not only appropriate but required by law and ethical guidelines.

When there is a risk of harm to the student or others, the counselor is obligated to take action to protect the parties involved. This could include situations where a student expresses intent to harm themselves or others, reports abuse, or shares information that indicates they are in a dangerous situation. In these cases, the counselor must prioritize the safety and well-being of the student and those around them over confidentiality.

Thus, breaking confidentiality in the context of potential harm is aligned with the counselor's duty to safeguard students and comply with legal obligations regarding reporting. Maintaining confidentiality is crucial in building trust, but safety concerns take precedence in such situations.