Final answer:
The statement is true; counselors are ethically and legally required to obtain clients' consent before sharing confidential information with treatment teams or third-party payers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that counselors must obtain clients' consent before sharing confidential information with treatment teams or third-party payers is true. Confidentiality of personal information is crucial in establishing trust and safety within any professional setting involving sensitive personal data. It's a key ethical and legal requirement in counseling practice.
For instance, survivors of trauma may require assurances of strict confidentiality due to safety concerns. Adhering to confidentiality is vital in building a reliable service and maintaining long-term relationships with clients. This extends to the practices of researchers in sociocultural, medical, or clinical studies, where informed consent is obligatory, and details around data management and potential future use should be transparently conveyed to participants. In cases involving minors, parents can provide consent on behalf of their children, recognizing that children themselves are not legally competent to consent.