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The principle of confidentiality, as it applies to couples and family therapists, entails that practitioners not disclose what they have learned through the professional relationship except ____________.

Answer :

Final answer:

Confidentiality in the context of couples and family therapy requires that therapists not disclose information learned through the professional relationship except under specific legal or ethical circumstances. Issues such as parental rights to know about their children's health and public health concerns, such as the risk of STIs, must be balanced with patient privacy rights and legal standards set by HIPAA.

Explanation:

The principle of confidentiality, as it applies to couples and family therapists, entails that practitioners not disclose what they have learned through the professional relationship except in specific circumstances that are often defined both by law and professional ethics. Confidentiality of personal information is foundational to trust and safety in therapeutic relationships. It is crucial for therapists to be familiar with applicable agency, state, and federal confidentiality rules and regulations, including HIPAA standards. Nevertheless, there are certain exceptions to confidentiality that may arise, such as when there is a need to protect the patient or others from harm, if there are concerns about abuse, or when legal requirements demand the disclosure of information.

When working with minors, the issue of confidentiality becomes even more complex, as adolescents may be reluctant to share sensitive information if they believe it will be disclosed to their parents. Parents, on the other hand, may feel entitled to know what is happening with their child's health. In such cases, healthcare providers must navigate between respecting the adolescent's request for confidentiality and the parents' right to be informed, depending on the legal and ethical guidelines that apply.


The debate between patient privacy rights and the right of sexual partners to know about potential risks must be approached with sensitivity and an ethical mindset. When it comes to communicable diseases like STIs, ethical considerations must balance the need for privacy with public health concerns. Legally, contacting a patient's sexual partners without their consent may be a breach of HIPAA rules, unless certain public health exceptions apply.

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