What constitutes a breach of confidentiality?

A breach of confidentiality occurs when there is an unauthorized disclosure of a client's private information. In the field of psychology, confidentiality is a foundational principle that helps build trust between the clinician and the client. Psychologists are required to keep client information confidential unless they have obtained consent from the client to disclose that information or if there are specific legal or ethical exceptions that warrant a breach, such as imminent harm to the client or others.

Disclosing a client’s information without consent directly violates ethical guidelines and legal obligations, thereby constituting a clear breach. This breach can lead to serious consequences for the therapist and could undermine the therapeutic relationship.

While other options may relate to professional responsibility or ethical considerations—such as securing client records, discussing cases in a manner that protects identity, or appropriate documentation—these do not constitute a breach of confidentiality in the same direct manner as unauthorized disclosure of client information.