If a client expresses an imminent plan to harm themselves or others, what action aligns with the duty to warn?

If a client expresses an imminent plan to harm themselves or others, what action aligns with the duty to warn?

• A. Continue therapy and document internally.
• B. Break confidentiality and tell an appropriate person to warn or protect.
• C. Dismiss the client from therapy.
• D. Ignore the statement unless the client consents.

Answer: (B)

The main concept being tested is the duty to warn or protect when there is an imminent risk of harm to self or others. When a client expresses a real, imminent plan to harm someone or themselves, confidentiality can be overridden to prevent harm, a principle established in the Tarasoff framework and reflected in many ethics codes. The appropriate response is to take steps to warn or protect, which typically means notifying the proper authorities and/or informing potential victims so they can take precautions, and arranging additional safety measures if needed. This action directly addresses the safety concern and fulfills legal and professional obligations. Continuing therapy and documenting privately does not mitigate the immediate risk. Dismissing the client fails to protect anyone from potential harm, and ignoring the warning unless the client consents likewise neglects safety obligations and could lead to serious consequences.

The main concept being tested is the duty to warn or protect when there is an imminent risk of harm to self or others. When a client expresses a real, imminent plan to harm someone or themselves, confidentiality can be overridden to prevent harm, a principle established in the Tarasoff framework and reflected in many ethics codes. The appropriate response is to take steps to warn or protect, which typically means notifying the proper authorities and/or informing potential victims so they can take precautions, and arranging additional safety measures if needed. This action directly addresses the safety concern and fulfills legal and professional obligations.

Continuing therapy and documenting privately does not mitigate the immediate risk. Dismissing the client fails to protect anyone from potential harm, and ignoring the warning unless the client consents likewise neglects safety obligations and could lead to serious consequences.