Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) Law and Ethics Practice Exam

If a client shares their struggle with substance abuse and a therapist is not trained in addiction, what should the therapist do?

1. Refer the client to a specialist

2. Handle the case themselves

3. Provide limited guidance

4. Encourage the client to seek help from peers

The correct answer is: Refer the client to a specialist

When a therapist encounters a client struggling with substance abuse but lacks the appropriate training to address addiction issues, the most ethical and responsible course of action is to refer the client to a specialist. This ensures that the client receives the right care from a professional who has the necessary expertise and experience in dealing with addiction. Referring to a specialist allows the client to access evidence-based treatments that may not be within the therapist’s competency and ensures their needs are adequately met. This aligns with ethical guidelines that prioritize client welfare and professional integrity, emphasizing that therapists should work within their scope of practice. In this context, handling the case independently would pose risks to the client’s treatment due to the therapist’s lack of specific knowledge in addiction. Providing limited guidance may not suffice, as clients dealing with substance abuse often require comprehensive interventions that a general therapist may not be equipped to provide. Encouraging the client to seek help from peers, while potentially supportive, does not replace the need for formal treatment from a qualified professional. Thus, referring the client to a specialist is the most appropriate and responsible action in this scenario.