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

Which of the following is a responsibility of a therapist towards maintaining client confidentiality?

1. Sharing information within the therapist's own family.

2. Documenting identifiable information in treatment notes.

3. Using secure methods of communication.

4. Discussing client issues with friends for advice.

The correct answer is: Using secure methods of communication.

Maintaining client confidentiality is a fundamental ethical obligation for therapists, and using secure methods of communication directly addresses this responsibility. Secure methods ensure that sensitive client information is protected from unauthorized access or disclosure. This includes using encrypted email, secure phone lines, and locked patient files, among other confidentiality measures. By employing these methods, therapists create a safe environment for clients to share their thoughts and feelings, fostering trust and promoting effective therapeutic work. The other options do not align with ethical standards regarding confidentiality. For example, sharing information within one's own family breaches the confidentiality agreement with the client. Documenting identifiable information in treatment notes could compromise a client’s privacy if not handled appropriately. Discussing client issues with friends for advice not only violates confidentiality but may also lead to potential harm to the client and undermine the therapeutic relationship. Therefore, using secure methods of communication is clearly the most appropriate and responsible action to uphold client confidentiality.