Law and Ethics Practice Exam

When a therapist receives a request for client information due to a crisis, what is the appropriate legal response?

1. Release the information due to the crisis situation

2. Speak with the client to receive consent to share information

3. Obtain a signed release from the client

4. Refuse request to protect client's confidentiality

The correct answer is: Release the information due to the crisis situation

In a crisis situation, therapists often face the challenge of balancing the need to protect client confidentiality with the obligation to ensure the safety and well-being of the client and others. The appropriate legal response in such circumstances may indeed involve releasing information if there is a clear and imminent threat to the client or to others. When therapists receive a request for client information during a crisis, they must consider whether the situation poses a risk that necessitates breaching confidentiality. For instance, if there is a credible threat of harm to the client, or if the client poses a danger to others, therapists may be legally and ethically required to disclose the necessary information to relevant parties, such as emergency services or other healthcare professionals, to prevent harm. The decision to release information should be based on the therapist's professional judgment, applicable laws, ethical guidelines, and the specific context of the crisis. Therefore, in many cases, immediate disclosure in response to a crisis may be justified and necessary to protect the individuals involved.