Is Therapy Confidential? Here's What You Need to Know
When you go to therapy, you share personal stuff. You might talk about your worries, your relationships, or things that happened in your past. It’s normal to wonder, “Will my therapist keep this private?”
The short answer is: yes, therapy is usually confidential. That means what you say in therapy stays between you and your therapist. But like most things, there are a few exceptions.
Let’s break it all down so you know what to expect and feel safe opening up.
What Does “Confidential” Mean?
Confidential means private. Your therapist is not allowed to tell other people what you talk about in your sessions. They can’t share your information with your family, friends, employer, or even other doctors—unless you give them permission.
Think of therapy like a safe space. It’s your time to talk honestly without fear of judgment or gossip. This is one of the main reasons therapy works—because you can be real.
Why Is Confidentiality So Important?
Therapy is about trust. If you don’t trust your therapist to keep your information private, you might hold back. You might not share the full story. And if you can’t be open, therapy may not help as much.
That’s why therapists take confidentiality very seriously. It’s not just a good practice—it’s the law in most places.
When Will a Therapist Keep My Secrets?
In almost every situation, your therapist will not tell anyone else what you say.
Here are a few examples of things that usually stay private:
Feeling sad, anxious, or stressed
Relationship problems
Talking about past trauma
Feeling angry at someone
Making mistakes or having regrets
Struggles at work or school
Doubts about yourself
Having thoughts about quitting therapy
As long as you’re not in danger and you’re not planning to hurt someone, your therapist keeps it all confidential.
When Can a Therapist Share Information?
Even though therapists work hard to protect your privacy, there are a few legal reasons they may need to break confidentiality. These are called limits to confidentiality.
Here are the most common ones:
1. You’re in danger of hurting yourself.
If you tell your therapist that you plan to seriously hurt or kill yourself, they may need to get help for you. This could mean telling a doctor, a crisis team, or someone who can help keep you safe.
2. You plan to hurt someone else.
If you say you’re going to harm another person and you have a real plan to do it, the therapist may have to warn that person or call the police.
3. Child abuse or neglect.
If you share that a child is being abused or neglected, therapists are required by law to report it. This is to keep the child safe.
4. Elder abuse or abuse of a person with a disability.
Like child abuse, if a vulnerable adult is being mistreated, your therapist may need to report it.
5. Court orders or legal demands.
In rare cases, a judge can order a therapist to share your records—usually in legal cases like custody battles or serious crimes. Even then, your therapist will try to protect your privacy as much as possible.
What About Minors (Kids and Teens)?
If you’re under 18 and going to therapy, the rules are a little different. Parents usually have the right to know about your care. But that doesn’t mean your therapist tells your parents everything.
Many therapists talk with teens and parents at the beginning to set clear boundaries. For example, the therapist might say, “I won’t tell your parents what we talk about unless I think you’re in danger.”
This helps young people trust the process while still keeping them safe.
Can I See My Therapy Records?
Yes, in most cases you have the right to see your own therapy notes and records. If you want to read them, just ask your therapist. Some therapists may have brief notes, others may have longer records.
Keep in mind: therapy notes are mostly for the therapist. They may not always make total sense to you, and they aren’t written like a report card. They’re more like reminders for your therapist to keep track of your progress.
What If I Want My Therapist to Share Information?
Sometimes you do want your therapist to talk to someone—like a doctor, a school counselor, or a family member. That’s okay! But your therapist can’t do that without your permission.
To give permission, you’ll sign a form called a release of information. It says who the therapist can talk to and what they can share.
You’re in control of this. You can choose what’s shared and who hears it.
How Do I Know What My Therapist’s Rules Are?
Your therapist should explain their confidentiality policy at the start of therapy. Usually, they’ll give you a paper (or an email) that explains everything clearly. This is called “informed consent.”
If anything feels unclear, ask questions! Good therapists want you to feel safe and confident about how your information is handled.
Therapy Is a Safe Place
Most of the time, therapy really is confidential. You can talk freely, cry, be honest, and share your truth. And that’s powerful.
Therapists are trained to listen, not to judge. They want to help you heal—not get you in trouble. So if you’re nervous about starting therapy, remember: what you say is usually just between you and your therapist.
Where to Start?
If you’re thinking about trying therapy and want a place that makes you feel safe, supported, and respected, check us out: Always Blooming Counseling. We know how important privacy is—and we’re ready to meet you with kindness and care. Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, we’ll walk with you at your pace, in your way.
Final Thoughts
Therapy can be life-changing. It gives you a place to talk, grow, and heal. But it only works if you feel safe—and that’s why confidentiality matters so much.
Most of the time, your therapist keeps what you say private. There are a few exceptions to protect safety, but they’ll explain those clearly. You always have the right to ask questions, set boundaries, and be part of the conversation.
You don’t have to carry everything alone. Therapy is here to help—and what you say there, usually stays there.
