In general, California law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a psychotherapist. No information is disclosed to any party without prior written consent from the client. However, there are exceptions to this protection.
Exceptions to confidentiality where the psychotherapist is allowed/ required to breach confidentiality include:
In any case where there is reasonable suspicion of abuse to a child, a dependent adult, or an elder adult. This includes physical abuse, mental/ psychological abuse, witness to domestic violence, neglect, financial abuse.
In any case where there is reasonable suspicion of a threat to harm yourself.
In any case where there is reasonable suspicion of a threat to harm others.