So what are the limits of confidentiality in therapy?

The information disclosed by any patient is generally confidential and will not be released to any third party without written authorization from the patient or legal representative except where permitted by law. Exceptions to confidentiality include, but are not limited to, reporting child, elder and dependent adult abuse, when a patient makes a serious threat of violence towards a reasonably identifiable victim, or when a patient is dangerous to him/herself or the person or property of another.

As the parent, how much do I get to know what’s going on in treatment?

Parents should be aware that the counselor working with your child is not a conduit of information from him/her. Psychotherapy can only be effective if there is a trusting and confidential relationship between the therapist and the client. While you can expect to be kept up to date as to your child’s progress in therapy, you will not typically be privy to detailed discussions between the therapist and your kid. However, you can expect to be informed in the event of any serious concerns your child’s therapist might have regarding the safety or well-being of him/her, including suicidality.