Law and Ethics Practice Exam

What is the appropriate action if a minor client expresses a plan for suicide?

1. Maintain confidentiality and create a safety contract

2. Inform the parents and ensure a safety plan is in place

3. Break confidentiality and seek hospitalization evaluation

4. Only provide the client with a suicide hotline number

The correct answer is: Break confidentiality and seek hospitalization evaluation

When a minor client expresses a plan for suicide, the primary concern is the safety and well-being of the client. Breaking confidentiality in this context is justified because the risk of harm is significant and immediate support needs to be provided. Seeking a hospitalization evaluation is a critical step to ensure that the minor receives appropriate mental health care and crisis intervention. This action prioritizes the safety of the client by involving professionals equipped to assess the situation and provide necessary treatment. Maintaining confidentiality and creating a safety contract, informing parents, or simply providing a hotline are actions that may not adequately address the immediate danger present when a client has a concrete plan for suicide. These options might delay necessary intervention and do not sufficiently ensure the minor's safety, which is the foremost responsibility in a crisis situation. Involving healthcare professionals through breaking confidentiality allows for a swift response to prevent potential harm.