Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Massachusetts
Confidentiality of minors
Is a therapist required to inform the guardian of a minor of a pregnancy when the client informs the therapist within a private therapy session that they are pregnant?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Confidentiality of minors
There is a client/therapist privilege.
The client OWNS the privilege.
If you tell ANYONE, the client can sue you,in words for all intents and purposes, for violation of that privilege.
You probably want to speak to the attorney for the so-called nonprofit you work for.
The GAL is appointed under chapter 215, sec. 56A of the Mass. General Laws.
It is a much used law: misused and abused.
I am questioning the constitutionality of it in the Federal court.
Who is the GAL?
Do you know her/his credentials, training, and education?
Is the GAL competent?
You should also try to learn -- if you do not already know -- the names of the attorneys for the parties.
Sometimes there is no fight.
Sometimes there is.
You probably do not want to be in the middle of it.
Re: Confidentiality of minors
This is not my area of expertise, but I don't think so because the law recognizes a patient psychotherapist privilege. Check with Planned Parenthood.