Law and Ethics Practice Exam

What is a therapist's legal obligation when a client indicates potential harm to others?

1. To maintain confidentiality.

2. To inform the client's family.

3. To contact authorities.

4. To assess the client's mental state.

The correct answer is: To contact authorities.

When a client indicates potential harm to others, a therapist has a legal obligation to contact authorities. This duty arises from the ethical and legal principle known as "duty to warn," which mandates that mental health professionals take necessary steps to prevent harm when they believe a client poses a threat to another individual or the public. This obligation aims to prioritize safety and prevent potential violence or injury. In these situations, therapists must act swiftly to notify the appropriate authorities, such as law enforcement or crisis intervention teams, who can intervene effectively to protect any potential victims. The therapist's responsibility is to ensure that the threat is taken seriously and addressed in a manner that can mitigate risks to others. Maintaining confidentiality is crucial in a therapeutic relationship, but it is not absolute. When there is a clear risk of harm to others, confidentiality can be ethically and legally breached. Informing the client's family may not always be appropriate or effective, especially if it does not contribute to protecting those at risk. Assessing the client's mental state is useful, but it does not fulfill the immediate legal obligation to report potential threats to ensure safety.