As a psychologist registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, I am, as are all other registered psychologists, ethically bound to treat all information disclosed in therapy or emergent from assessment as strictly confidential. Psychologists may only divulge any information regarding the client with the consent of the client (if > 18) or the consent of the client's guardian/s (if the client is <18).

Exceptions to the above code of confidentiality are:

1) In the event of the client being at risk of causing harm to his/herself or to others, and

2) In the event of the psychologist being subpoenaed by a court of law.

Confidentiality also requires the safe and secure storage of case records to protect the identity of clients and the contents of personal and private information.