Confidential communications of psychotherapists

Laws were reviewed in the 50 states and the District of Columbia that pertain to the protection and limitations of confidentiality outside of the courtroom. It was found that many state laws do not address a variety of issues relevant to psychotherapist confidentiality, and where they do, the positions taken are often inconsistent across jurisdictions. A comparison of the laws with concerns expressed by psychotherapists and legal scholars also disclosed numerous incongruencies on a variety of issues. The authors conclude that the APA should develop a policy for each issue raised that best reflects the values of the profession.