Bill > S01725

This bill extends legal confidentiality privileges to licensed mental health counselors and their employees, specifically preventing them from being required to disclose communications with clients during professional employment. The bill outlines several important exceptions to this confidentiality: counselors may disclose information with client authorization, must report communications revealing plans for crimes or harmful acts, may be required to testify about crimes involving child clients under 16, and cannot claim privilege if the client brings charges involving confidential communications against them. Additionally, the bill clarifies that a client seeking insurance benefits by authorizing communication disclosure does not automatically waive their confidentiality privilege. The legislation defines "person" broadly to include various entities like insurers, government agencies, and corporations, and specifies that "insurance benefits" include payments under self-insured plans. This bill aims to protect the privacy of mental health counseling while maintaining necessary provisions for public safety and legal accountability.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1725