Confidentiality means that the privacy of information students share with the school counselor belongs to the student.  We regard the information students share with the greatest respect and will guard their privacy as much as permitted by law, ethics, and school rules.

Reasons school counselors would need to talk to other adults include:

• Thoughts, feelings, actions involving harm to yourself
• Thoughts, feelings, actions involving harm to others
• Suspicion of verbal, physical or sexual abuse
• Neglect
• When court ordered to release information

School Counselors adhere to and follow the professional ethical standards created by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). 

The school counselor often consults with other school professionals, but only shares information necessary to achieving the goals of the consultation.  If students and parents ask that we share information with outside professionals, parents will be asked to complete a release of information form.  Only the information indicated will be shared unless mandated by law or ethics.

If you are ever unsure about what is considered confidential, please ask your counselor to review the limits of confidentiality and answer any questions you have.  As counselors, our ultimate goal is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for students to share, while at the same time, ensuring both student and school safety.

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