Psychologists are bound by confidentiality, but the law carves out specific situations where disclosure is permitted or required. These exceptions are built to protect public safety, comply with court orders, and honor statutory mandates such as reporting abuse. Think of it as a safety valve that opens only under clearly defined conditions.

Each state may have slightly different statutes, yet the core ideas are consistent across the United States. Federal regulations, like HIPAA, also set baseline rules. Knowing these fundamentals helps you feel confident that your therapist’s silence isn’t arbitrary—it’s a carefully regulated practice.