I have an ethical responsibility and a professional duty to keep private all information shared within the context of private interactions between you the client and me the counselor. This behavior is expected of me by the American Counseling Association and the National Board of Certified Counselors. The Client is a danger to self or others.
Physical safety takes precedence over confidentiality.
I have a duty to warn any person who may be in danger. I have a duty to report any cases of suspected child abuse and elder abuse to the proper authorities. The Client requests the release of information. Clients raise the question of their mental health in a legal proceeding such as a custody suit. The court may order the release of information if the court determines that the information is needed to serve the cause of justice.