Which statement best describes a client's right to access their records and how LPCCs should respond?

• A. Clients generally have the right to access their records; respond within legally specified timeframes and provide copies or summaries as allowed by law, while protecting confidential information.
• B. Records access should be denied unless a court orders disclosure.
• C. Clients may request summaries, but never the full records.
• D. The therapist may determine access on a case-by-case basis without legal timelines.

Answer: (A)

Clients generally have the right to access their records, and LPCCs should respond within legally specified timeframes and provide copies or summaries as allowed by law, while protecting confidential information.

In practice, this means you verify the requester’s identity, locate the requested records, and respond within the timeframe set by state laws or applicable regulations (often a matter of weeks). You should offer a full copy or a concise summary if that is what the client prefers, and you may charge reasonable fees for copying or processing. While honoring the client’s access, you also protect confidentiality by redacting or restricting access to information that is legally exempt or sensitive, such as certain psychotherapy notes or third-party details. If access is restricted, you should clearly explain what cannot be disclosed and why, and guide the client on how to proceed.

Denying access without a court order, limiting access to only summaries in all cases, or removing statutory timelines would not align with standard ethical and legal expectations.