What must a counselor provide if a client requests client records?

When a client requests access to their records, counselors are required to provide a complete copy or, if the client prefers, a summary of those records. This aligns with the ethical guidelines and legal requirements that emphasize transparency and the client’s right to access their own information.

Providing a complete copy ensures that the client receives the full scope of information regarding their treatment, including notes taken during sessions, assessments, and any other pertinent documentation. In some cases, a summary might be requested to simplify the information, particularly if the client feels overwhelmed by the volume of the records.

Counselors must be careful to respect confidentiality and only release information that the client is entitled to access. They must also verify the identity of the requester to prevent unauthorized access, which is another layer of the ethical obligations in the counseling profession.

In contrast, only providing a summary, a brief overview, or an oral summary would not fulfill the legal and ethical obligation to ensure comprehensive access to records that clients are entitled to under mental health regulations.