Law and Ethics Practice Exam

What should a therapist prioritize if a client reports potential harm to themselves or others?

1. Maintaining the therapist-client confidentiality

2. Reassuring the client that they are safe

3. Immediate reporting to law enforcement

4. Creating a detailed clinical assessment plan

The correct answer is: Immediate reporting to law enforcement

When a client reports potential harm to themselves or others, the therapist's priority must be immediate reporting to law enforcement or relevant authorities. This action is guided by the ethical and legal obligations to ensure the safety of individuals. Therapists have a duty to protect their clients and others from imminent harm, which can sometimes supersede confidentiality agreements. The rationale behind prioritizing immediate reporting is rooted in the principle of preventing harm. When there is a credible threat, it is essential to act swiftly to mitigate any risk, which may involve alerting authorities who can intervene. This obligation is also often reinforced by the legal standards known as duty to warn or duty to protect, which dictate that mental health professionals must take necessary steps to protect potential victims from foreseeable harm. While maintaining confidentiality is crucial in a therapeutic relationship, it must yield to the obligation to prevent harm. Reassuring the client of their safety can be a supportive action, but it does not address the immediate threat posed. Additionally, creating a detailed clinical assessment plan is valuable for ongoing treatment, yet does not suffice in a crisis situation where immediate action is necessary. Thus, when the risk of harm is present, immediate reporting is a critical step in safeguarding everyone involved.