The law protects the relationship between a client and a counselor, and information cannot be disclosed about the client or the client's therapy sessions without his or her wriitten permission.

However, your counselor is a mandated reporter and must break confidentiality in the following situations:

• In the case of suspected child abuse, dependent adult, or elder abuse, your counselor is required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.

• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, your counselor must notify the police and inform the intended victim.

• If a client intends to harm himself or herself, your counselor will make every effort to enlist the client's cooperation in ensuring his or her safety. If a client does not cooperate, the counselor will take further measures without the client's permission in order to ensure his or her safety.