Family Therapy Confidentiality

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Confidentiality is defined as “The ethical principle or legal right that a physician or other health professional will hold secret all information relating to a patient, unless the patient gives consent permitting disclosure” (confidentiality). Confidentiality should always be foremost in a MFT mind as it is considered to be a foundation for the field. Due to the nature of Marriage and Family Therapy, the counseling of multiple people, creates confidentiality concerns that are exclusive to MFTs (Caldwell, 2015). The American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Code of Ethics Standard II details the policies that deal with confidentiality and how a therapist should conduct themselves in accordance with these policies. The Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists Code of Ethics section on …show more content…
When MFTs consult with referral sources or associates, they “ do not share confidential information that could reasonably lead to the identification of a client, research participant, supervisee, or other person with whom they have a confidential relationship unless they have obtained the prior written consent”(Caldwell, 2015) and the information disclosed should only be what is required for the consultation. As far as record go, clients are allowed access to them as long as the therapist isn’t concerned that access will cause the client harm. In cases of family or group therapy, written consent is required for members of the group to view anyone’s record other than their own. It is the responsibility of the therapist to properly store and dispose of clients records in a manner that upholds the confidentially polices, laws, and professional standards (Caldwell,