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

When a 26 year old client threatens suicide after a breakup, what should the therapist do FIRST?

1. Request for the client's consent to call 911

2. Determine the number of pills she took

3. Call 911 immediately

4. Bring the client to the nearest hospital

The correct answer is: Call 911 immediately

In a situation where a client threatens suicide, the therapist's first priority is ensuring the immediate safety of the client. Calling emergency services, such as 911, is a critical action because it ensures that appropriate help is dispatched as quickly as possible. When a client expresses suicidal thoughts, especially after a potentially destabilizing situation like a breakup, their safety cannot be taken lightly. Immediate intervention is necessary, and calling 911 allows trained professionals to assess the situation and provide timely support. Emergency responders can evaluate the client's mental state, determine the level of risk, and decide the appropriate course of action, which may include transport to a psychiatric facility. Other actions, while potentially relevant, may introduce delays that could compromise the client's safety. For instance, requesting consent to call 911 can waste valuable time if the situation is urgent. Similarly, determining the number of pills taken or bringing the client to a hospital could lead to critical moments lost in which help could be applied. Therefore, making the call to 911 is the most direct and immediate way to ensure the client's safety and well-being.