What is the ethical obligation when a client discloses intent to harm others?

• A. Follow mandatory reporting laws and safety planning; breach confidentiality as required by law.
• B. Keep all information confidential at all times.
• C. Immediately contact family members.
• D. Refuse to take any action.

Answer: (D)

When a client discloses an intent to harm others, the focus shifts from confidentiality to safety. You assess whether the threat is credible and imminent. If there is a real risk, you are ethically obligated to take steps to protect potential victims and the public, which typically means following mandatory reporting laws and implementing safety planning. This often includes notifying authorities and possibly warning or informing potential victims, as well as working with the client on risk reduction and safety measures. Documentation and supervision are important to ensure the actions are appropriate and lawful.

Keeping information confidential at all times ignores the risk to others and is not appropriate. Simply contacting family members or doing nothing would not align with the responsibility to protect, and both can be inappropriate or unnecessary depending on the situation and local laws. The action that best aligns with protecting people is to breach confidentiality as required by law and to take the mandated steps to ensure safety.