Confidentiality & Teenagers

Confidentiality is an important ethical and legal obligation for health professionals, including psychologists, and is intended to protect clients' confidentiality and privacy.

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According to the Health Act, young people over the age of 15 usually have the right to decide on their own health care and health information. This means that health professionals, including psychologists, are usually obliged to maintain confidentiality and not pass on information to parents or others without the young person's consent.

 

Are you over 15 years old?

As a psychologist, I have promised to keep the things we talk about secret. That meansthat I do not tell your parents or other people about our conversations unless you give me permission to do so.

 

However, there are times when I will have to break confidentiality and talk to someone even if you haven't given permission. This only happens if I am very concerned about your safety or health. For example, if you tell me about something that could harm yourself or others, I will need to talk to someone to help you.

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Remember that I am here to support you and it is important to me to respect your privacy and keep our conversations confidential. If you ever have questions about confidentiality or are unsure about something, you are always welcome to talk to me about it.

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Aren't you 15 yet?

When you are under 15, the rules on confidentiality are slightly different. Generally speaking, you still have the right to privacy and confidentiality in relation to your health information and conversations with a psychologist.

This means that a psychologist will not normally share information with your parents or others without your permission. They will respect your right to privacy and confidentiality.

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But your parents have the right to be informed about the treatment when you are under 15. We thereby do not discuss the specific  details you tell, but if they ask what the therapy is about they have the right to that information and nothing more. It is also your parents who must give consent if you are under 15 years old.

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However, there are some exceptions where the psychologist may have to break confidentiality and disclose information, even if you have not given permission. This only happens in special cases where there is a serious and concrete danger to your life, health or development. For example, if the psychologist is concerned that you may be at risk of violence, abuse or have serious mental health problems, they may feel obliged to inform relevant authorities or involve other professionals to help you. 

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The most important thing is that the psychologist will always try to talk to you about such situations and explain why they feel compelled to break confidentiality. They will still prioritize your best interests and try to find a solution together with you.

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Remember that it is important to feel comfortable talking to your psychologist and know that you can trust them. If you are ever in doubt or have questions about confidentiality or confidentiality, it is always good to talk openly with your psychologist and get further explanation.