What action should therapists take if a client poses a threat to others?

When a client poses a threat to others, the therapist has an ethical and legal obligation to prioritize the safety of individuals who may be at risk. This responsibility often necessitates taking appropriate actions that could involve breaching confidentiality. Confidentiality is a fundamental principle in therapy, but it is not absolute; there are circumstances where therapists must act to prevent harm.

Therapists must assess the seriousness of the threat and determine the best course of action, which may include notifying law enforcement, informing potential victims, or, in some cases, alerting family members if it can help de-escalate the risk. This approach aligns with duty-to-warn and duty-to-protect laws, which allow therapists to disclose confidential information when there is an imminent threat to someone's health or safety.

Maintaining confidentiality in such situations could lead to serious consequences if harm were to occur. Thus, taking the necessary steps to protect others, even if it means compromising the client’s confidentiality, is consistent with both ethical guidelines and legal obligations in the practice of marriage and family therapy.