Exchange of Mental Health Information With Parents of College Students

College students are increasingly reporting higher rates of mental health concerns, creating significant demand for services at campus mental health centers and among community providers. As providers work to address this growing need, they may encounter challenges when considering whether to communicate with students' parents. This communication is often complicated by privacy laws, institutional policies, and the intricacies of family dynamics. Additionally, providers must balance students' rights to confidentiality with the potential benefits of parental involvement in their care. This review examines these complexities, exploring the legal, ethical, and practical considerations that shape communication between mental health providers and the parents of college students.