Is Working With An Unlicensed Counselor And Therapist Confidential?

Revised:  January 01, 2009

By:  Mentor Research Institute


Think twice before you allow an unlicensed person to work with you.  You probably have no legal right to privacy or confidentiality if you are in treatment with a counselor or therapist who is not licensed or qualified by the State Of Oregon.  Your confidentiality should be protected if you work with an unlicensed counselor or psychotherapist if that person is officially supervised by a licensed professional.

An unlicensed and unsupervised counselor or therapist is probably telling you a "half-truth" if they tell you that your relationship is confidential.   What they aren't telling you is important. 

Examples of what can happen if you work with an unlicensed counselor or therapist.

  • An unlicensed counselor or therapist may be able to testify against you in a court of law without your permission.
  • The records of an unlicensed counselor or therapist may be used against you in a court of law.
  • An unlicensed counselor or therapist may be able to talk about your treatment with others without your consent and with no consequences.  
  • An employer may be able to request, demand or obtain a copy of your records without your consent.
  • A prosecuting attorney or grand jury may be able to obtain a copy of your records as part of a criminal investigation.