National Counselor Exam (NCE)

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What distinguishes privileged communication from confidentiality?

Privileged communication is an ethical concept
Confidentiality is a legal term
Privileged communication is a legal term
Confidentiality refers to information shared publicly

The correct answer is: Privileged communication is a legal term

Privileged communication is a legal term that protects certain communications from being disclosed in a legal setting. This protection typically applies to specific relationships, such as attorney-client or therapist-client, allowing individuals to share information freely without the fear that it will be revealed in court. The essence of privileged communication is its foundation in law, which grants a right to confidentiality that is enforceable in judicial processes. In contrast, confidentiality refers more broadly to the ethical obligation of professionals to protect the privacy of the information shared by their clients. While both concepts prioritize protection of sensitive information, the critical distinction lies in the legal enforceability of privileged communication, which provides specific rights that confidentiality alone may not. Understanding this distinction is vital for counselors and therapists to navigate their legal and ethical responsibilities effectively.