Policies and Practices Concerning Confidentiality in College Mental Health Services in the United States and Canada

According to a survey by the author, the great majority of college mental health services do not routinely inform parents of consultations, evaluations, or short-term treatment, although they do notify parents of serious illness, suicidal attempts, or hospitalization. Unless the student is sent for evaluation by the administration, a similar rule applies to college authorities. Nearly all respondents refuse psychiatric information to outside sources without student consent. The author includes a legal commentary and suggestions for some law revisions.