California Education Code Section 49602 is the foundation of the ethical practice for counselors. Counselors are obligated to protect privileged information received through confidential relationships with students, or the student’s parent or guardian, and with teachers. This confidentiality must be maintained by the counselor except when there is a clear and present danger to the student or other persons or both. Also, counselors must keep current with and adhere to all laws, policies, and ethical standards pertaining to confidentiality.