Confidentiality Laws

Confidentiality is an essential part of any counseling relationship. The Counseling Center staff adheres to the ethical standards of their respective professions and to state and federal laws relating to confidentiality. These standards and laws prevent us from speaking with concerned person about their student's contact with the Center unless we have the student's written permission.

Thus, unless your student gives us written permission, we cannot acknowledge whether your student has been seen at the Center or is making progress in counseling. Exceptions do apply and can be found in the confidentiality laws for Illinois.

• Confidentiality laws in Illinois
• Confidentiality statement

Many students prefer to keep their counseling completely private, and such privacy is typically vital for successful counseling. Assuming your student is willing to have one of the counselors discuss her or his participation in counseling with you, a release of information will be completed. Note that, in general, counseling is best served if everything parents, friends, or loved ones have to share with their student's counselor is also shared with their student.

Even if your student doesn't give her or his counselor permission to provide information to you, you may choose to contact a counselor to share your concerns. Such contact may make sense, for example, if you are concerned that your student is in serious danger. Note, however, that the counselor will not be able to even acknowledge knowing your student, and that the counselor will want to discuss any information you provide with your student.