Under what condition are counselors expected to breach confidentiality?

Counselors are expected to breach confidentiality when a legal authority requests relevant information due to the legal obligation to comply with court orders or subpoenas. This condition reflects the ethical principle that while confidentiality is a foundational element of the counseling relationship, there are exceptions, particularly when there is a legal requirement to disclose information. Such disclosures may involve situations where there is a legal duty to report information, especially in cases relating to child abuse, threats of harm, or other legal mandates. The counselor must navigate these situations carefully to balance the client's confidentiality with the legal obligations they are bound to uphold, ensuring that proper protocols are followed when disclosing information.