Under what condition is information from mental health professionals not confidential?

• A. If there is risk of immediate danger to self or others, or abuse.
• B. If the officer asks for public release.
• C. If they are a supervisor.
• D. There are no conditions.

Answer: (B)

Confidentiality has real limits: information from a mental health professional is not freely shared except under specific, legitimate circumstances. The most important exception is when there is a real risk of imminent harm to self or others, or when abuse or neglect must be reported. In addition, legal requirements such as a court order or subpoena, or informed consent from the client to release information, override confidentiality. Simply being asked by a Corrections Officer to release information does not justify disclosure. The clinician would normally continue to protect privacy unless one of these valid exceptions applies.