What is illegal and unethical for a therapist regarding confidential information?

The option related to employer requests for mental status information without consent highlights a crucial aspect of confidentiality and the ethical obligations therapists have toward their clients. Confidentiality is a foundational principle in therapy, designed to protect the privacy of the client and foster a trusting therapeutic relationship.

When a therapist receives a request for mental status information from an employer, it is typically considered a breach of confidentiality, particularly if the client has not given informed consent for that information to be shared. This lack of consent undermines the integrity of the therapist-client relationship and violates ethical standards that prioritize the client's autonomy and right to control their private information.

In most professional contexts, the therapist must maintain confidentiality unless legally mandated to disclose such information or if the client expressly consents to the sharing of specific details. Thus, responding to an employer’s request without the client’s consent is both illegal in many jurisdictions and unethical according to professional standards, as it does not respect the client's right to privacy and may lead to harm.