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Information for Parents About Counseling
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Parental Access to Student Counseling Information
If your son or daughter has reached the age of 18, Counseling Services at the University of Mary is legally required to restrict parental access to his or her student counseling records and information. In order for the counselor to discuss confidential information with a parent, the student must give written permission for the release to occur.
This does not mean Counseling Services is opposed to parental involvement. In fact, in many cases it can be very beneficial! We simply need to have the student's consent for it to happen. In most cases, respecting the student's right to make the decision is an important part of helping the student become an independent adult.
Without a release of information signed by the student, any conversation between the counselor is restricted to a one-way conversation. The counselor may listen to information the parent provides but the counselor will not be able to share any of the student's confidential information with the parent. In fact, the counselor may tell you that she can neither confirm or deny your son or daughter is receiving services (even if your son or daughter already has confided the fact to you).
If a parent contacts the student counselor for assistance, she will be willing to inform the student of the parent's desire to have a two-way conversation and she will ask the student if he/she would be willing to sign the necessary release of information. However, the counselor is legally bound to respect the student's decision.
If you have questions please contact the U-Mary student counselor, Trina Black at (701) 355-8145
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