Bill
A 3906
Overview: Bill Number: A 3906, Title: Extends confidentiality privileges to certain communications to or from a licensed mental health counselor, Status: REFERRED TO JUDICIARY, Int
Overview: Bill Number: A 3906, Title: Extends confidentiality privileges to certain communications to or from a licensed mental health counselor, Status: REFERRED TO JUDICIARY, Introduced: January 30, 2025
Purpose and Intent: The primary goal of this bill is to extend the same confidentiality protections that currently apply to communications with licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers to also cover communications with licensed mental health counselors. This is intended to ensure that individuals seeking mental health services can have the same level of privacy and trust in their interactions with mental health counselors.
Key Provisions:
- Establishes that communications between a licensed mental health counselor and their client are confidential and privileged, similar to the protections for other mental health professionals
- Prohibits the disclosure of these confidential communications, with limited exceptions (e.g., court orders, client consent)
- Extends the confidentiality privilege to cover records and information related to the counselor-client relationship
Affected Parties and Impacts:
- Individuals receiving mental health counseling services will benefit from the increased privacy and confidentiality protections
- Licensed mental health counselors will be able to provide their services with the assurance of confidentiality, which may encourage more people to seek necessary mental health support
- The legal system and other entities may have limited access to information related to mental health counseling sessions, which could impact certain proceedings or investigations
Procedural and Timeline Considerations:
The bill has been referred to the Judiciary committee for further consideration. If passed, the new confidentiality protections would take effect immediately upon the bill becoming law.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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