Can Therapists Keep Secrets From Parents? Understanding Teen Therapy Confidentiality

What Information Can Be Kept Confidential?

Under both the APA and BPS ethical frameworks, therapists generally keep the content of therapy sessions private, even when the client is a minor. This means that they can’t pass on information about:

• Friendships and peer relationships.
• Romantic relationships.
• Emotional difficulties.
• Family frustrations.
• School-related stress.
• Identity development and personal goals. 

Unless the teenager agrees otherwise, these are topics that remain private between the therapist and the teenager. However, it’s good to note that when it comes to the day-to-day practice, therapists do often share more general information about treatment goals, attendance, or progress with parents without disclosing specific details discussed during sessions. 

Reasons Behind Therapy Confidentiality for Teens

You might be surprised to know that confidentiality is more than just an ethical obligation; it’s strongly supported by research. 

Of course, studies can’t always prove that confidentiality directly leads to trust. However, they do consistently show that when adolescents’ privacy is respected, they are more likely to seek help, share sensitive information, and engage openly.  We discuss these studies in more detail below. 

Here are a few examples that help explain why confidentiality is considered a cornerstone of effective therapy.

When Teens Feel Safe, They Talk

One of the most influential studies on adolescent confidentiality was conducted in a randomised controlled trial where researchers surveyed 562 adolescents across public high schools in California. 

Students were randomly assigned to listen to a simulated medical consultation in which a doctor either guaranteed confidentiality, offered conditional confidentiality, or did not mention confidentiality at all. 

The researchers found that adolescents who received assurances of confidentiality were significantly more willing to disclose sensitive information relating to mental health, substance use, and sexual behaviour. And they were also more likely to say they would seek future healthcare when needed.^[3] 

These findings suggest that adolescent counseling privacy is not simply an ethical ideal; it has a measurable impact on whether young people feel safe enough to be honest and seek support when they need it.

Young People Most in Need of Help Often Value Privacy Most

A 2007 study explored why some adolescents avoid seeking healthcare altogether. Analyzing data from more than 2,400 young people, the researchers found that concerns about confidentiality were a significant barrier to accessing support. 

Adolescents experiencing depressive symptoms, suicidal thoughts, or other risk factors were among those most likely to avoid care because they worried information would be disclosed to their parents.^[4]

This study highlighted how privacy concerns discourage vulnerable young people from seeking help in the first place. In light of therapy confidentiality for teens, the findings help support the idea that confidentiality plays an important role in helping teenagers feel comfortable enough to engage with professional help when they need it most.^[4]

Confidentiality Helps Build Confidence in Professionals

In 2000, researchers found that young people who believed their providers would maintain confidentiality were significantly more likely to seek information and discuss personal concerns with them.^[5] 

While the study focused on healthcare settings rather than psychotherapy specifically, it provides valuable insight into adolescent behaviour. It suggests that perceived confidentiality increases a young person’s willingness to engage with professionals about sensitive topics, supporting the idea that privacy helps foster confidence and openness in helping relationships.^[5]