Which law mandates LPCCs to inform clients about the limits of confidentiality?

• A. Federal Confidentiality Act
• B. California Code of Regulations
• C. Code of Ethics for Counselors
• D. State Board of Behavioral Sciences Guidelines

Answer: (B)

The California Code of Regulations is the correct answer because it specifically outlines the legal obligations of licensed professionals in California, including Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs). Within these regulations, there are clear mandates requiring LPCCs to inform their clients about the nature of confidentiality and its limits. This includes scenarios where disclosure may be necessary, such as in cases of harm to self or others, child abuse, or when required by law.

This legal framework is in place to ensure that clients are fully informed about the confidentiality of their sessions and any exceptions to that confidentiality before they begin counseling. By doing so, it protects both the client's rights and the professional's ethical obligations, fostering a transparent therapeutic relationship.

Other options do not provide the same level of specific legal requirement related to confidentiality. The Federal Confidentiality Act deals more broadly with various privacy protections and is not specific to the counseling profession. The Code of Ethics for Counselors, while outlining ethical principles, does not have the binding legal status that the California Code of Regulations carries. The State Board of Behavioral Sciences Guidelines do provide useful information but are not as directly prescriptive regarding confidentiality requirements as the Code of Regulations.