What must LPCs disclose to clients regarding confidentiality?

Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) are required to inform clients about the limitations of confidentiality in therapeutic relationships. This is an essential aspect of ethical practice and client welfare. Disclosing limitations helps clients understand the contexts in which their information may be shared without their consent. For instance, LPCs must inform clients if there are legal requirements to report suspected abuse or if there is a risk of harm to themselves or others.

Providing this information promotes transparency and trust within the therapeutic relationship, allowing clients to make informed decisions about their participation in therapy. It is critical for clients to be aware that while their disclosures are generally kept confidential, certain circumstances may necessitate sharing information. This understanding helps to uphold the therapeutic alliance and ensures that clients can fully engage with the counseling process, knowing how their information may be handled.

In contrast, the other options either present a misunderstanding of confidentiality principles or misrepresent LPCs' responsibilities. For example, stating that all client information is always confidential overlooks the circumstances where information might need to be disclosed legally or ethically. Similarly, claiming that confidentiality does not exist if a client requests it inaccurately implies a lack of privacy in counseling sessions, undermining the client's trust. Finally, saying clients have no rights to confidentiality contradicts the core