Confidentiality with minor clients: Issues and guidelines for therapists.

Confidentiality is fundamental to the therapeutic relationship; however, minors' rights regarding confidentiality are not clear. Legal issues in minors' voluntary consent to treatment are discussed, and a review of the clinical and developmental literature regarding minors' ability to provide informed consent to treatment is provided. Professional attitudes and actions regarding the best interests of and confidentiality with minor clients are also reviewed. Guidelines for deciding when it is appropriate to maintain a confidential therapeutic relationship with a minor and strategies for how to do so are suggested. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)