National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 2 (NCAC II) Practice Exam Exam

Which concept refers to keeping a client's personal information private?

1. Informed consent

2. Confidentiality

3. Disclosure

4. Privacy

The correct answer is: Confidentiality

The concept that refers to keeping a client’s personal information private is confidentiality. This principle is foundational in counseling and mental health practices, as it ensures that clients can share sensitive information without fear that it will be disclosed to unauthorized parties. Confidentiality is critical in building trust between the counselor and the client, which is essential for effective treatment. By maintaining confidentiality, counselors adhere to ethical guidelines and legal standards that protect client information, helping to create a safe space for clients to communicate openly about their struggles. Although related terms like privacy and informed consent play important roles in the counseling process, they do not specifically focus on the obligation to keep client information confidential. Privacy generally pertains to the rights individuals have regarding their personal space and information, while informed consent involves the process of fully informing clients about the counseling process, its risks, and privileges, thereby helping them make well-informed decisions about their treatment. Disclosure refers to the act of revealing or sharing information, which is contrary to the principle of confidentiality.