CONFIDENTIALITY AFTER REFERRAL - A STUDY OF HOW RESTRICTIONS ON DISCLOSURE AFFECT RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THERAPISTS AND REFERRAL SOURCES

It is not uncommon for psychotherapists working with adolescents and y oung adults to receive requests for information from concerned referra l sources who expect collaboration in working with the client. The pre sent exploratory study examined the emotional responses of and attribu tions made by one type of referral source, university faculty, when th ey encountered the restrictions of confidentiality upheld by therapist s working with students. Referral sources had more negative emotional reactions when less information was disclosed about a referred student . Suggestions are given regarding ways for therapists to maintain a po sitive relationship with referral sources when required to maintain co nfidentiality.