The most basic ethical principle for mental health professionals is that all services and records are held in the strictest confidence. That means that no information about those being served is released to anyone with the expressed permission of the person about whom the information pertains. Records can and will be released upon request to anyone designated to receive such information. The records of minors requires the permission of the parent or guardian before being sent.

Two very important exceptions to the rule of confidentiality exist: 1. Suspected child abuse or elder abuse requires a report to a state agency that will investigate. 2. Serious threats of homicide or suicide may necessitate a report to an authority that could prevent someone from being harmed.

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