Law and Ethics Practice Exam

If a client makes a serious threat of violence towards another, what is the therapist's best course of action?

1. Maintain confidentiality and create a safety plan

2. Call police to report the threat and process it with the client

3. Inform the husband of the client's intentions

4. Document the threat and continue therapy sessions

The correct answer is: Call police to report the threat and process it with the client

In situations where a client makes a serious threat of violence towards another individual, the therapist's primary obligation is to ensure the safety of all parties involved. Reporting the threat to the police is a critical action as it allows for immediate intervention to prevent potential harm. This adheres to the legal and ethical responsibilities therapists hold to protect third parties when there is clear intent to cause harm. Processing the threat with the client after reporting it to the police is also important. It allows the therapist to maintain a therapeutic relationship while addressing the underlying issues that may have led to the threat. This dual approach ensures that the immediate danger is addressed, while also providing the client with support and guidance in a therapeutic context. Maintaining confidentiality in such scenarios would not be appropriate, as the safety of others takes precedence over confidentiality when there is an imminent risk of harm. Informing family members, such as a partner, without the client's consent can breach ethical guidelines unless there is a direct threat to that person, which necessitates caution and legal advice. Similarly, simply documenting the threat and continuing therapy without reporting does not address the immediate risk presented and could result in serious consequences. This multifaceted approach combines legal obligation, ethical duty, and therapeutic practice to create a safety net for both the