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

Which of the following best describes a therapist's duty to warn?

1. Inform the client of their rights

2. Notify law enforcement when a client poses a threat

3. Advise family members about a client's issues

4. Encourage the client to self-report to authorities

The correct answer is: Notify law enforcement when a client poses a threat

The duty to warn is a legal and ethical obligation that requires therapists to disclose information about a client when that client poses a serious threat of harm to themselves or others. The essence of this duty is rooted in the therapist's responsibility to ensure the safety of individuals who might be at risk due to the client's actions. Choosing to notify law enforcement when a client poses a threat underscores the importance of taking proactive measures to prevent harm. This duty compels therapists to act in situations where there is a clear and imminent danger, effectively prioritizing the safety of potential victims over the confidentiality of the therapeutic relationship. While informing the client of their rights, advising family members, or encouraging self-reporting to authorities may have their own ethical implications, they do not address the immediate danger posed by a client's behavior as directly as notifying law enforcement does. The duty to warn is specifically about intervening when a potential threat is identified, ensuring that necessary steps are taken to protect others from harm.