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

In what situation can a therapist breach confidentiality without the client's consent?

1. When the therapist believes a client will switch therapists

2. When the therapist is concerned about the client's self-harm

3. When a family member requests information about the client

4. When the client is late for appointments

The correct answer is: When the therapist is concerned about the client's self-harm

A therapist may breach confidentiality without the client's consent in situations where there is a concern about the client's self-harm. This action is justified under duty-to-warn and duty-to-protect laws, which mandate that therapists must take necessary steps to protect the client or others from imminent harm. If a therapist has a reasonable belief that a client poses a risk of self-harm or suicide, they are ethically and legally obligated to intervene, even if this involves disclosing information without the client's permission. In contrast, concerns about switching therapists, requests for information from family members, or the client's tardiness do not typically constitute situations that necessitate breaching confidentiality. These scenarios do not involve immediate risks to the client or others, and therefore do not meet the legal and ethical criteria for disclosure without consent.