Evidentiary privileged communication refers to the right of whom to prevent disclosure of shared information in legal proceedings?

Evidentiary privileged communication is a legal concept that allows certain communications to be kept confidential and prevents them from being disclosed in legal proceedings. In the context of this question, the privilege is held by the client, which means it is the client who has the right to prevent the disclosure of information shared during a professional relationship.

This principle is based on the understanding that clients should feel safe and secure when sharing personal and sensitive information with their psychologists, ensuring that they can speak freely without fear of that information being used against them in future legal situations. This confidentiality promotes trust and openness in the therapeutic or consultative relationship, which is essential for effective practice.

In this context, while parents may have rights regarding their child's information, particularly when minors are involved, the privilege ultimately belongs to the client, who must consent to any waiver of that privilege. This principle is fundamental in ensuring that ethical standards are maintained in counseling and psychological practices.