Law and Ethics Practice Exam 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

In a crisis situation, therapists often face the challenge of balancing the need to protect client confidentiality with the obligation to ensure the safety and well-being of the client and others. The appropriate legal response in such circumstances may indeed involve releasing information if there is a clear and imminent threat to the client or to others.

When therapists receive a request for client information during a crisis, they must consider whether the situation poses a risk that necessitates breaching confidentiality. For instance, if there is a credible threat of harm to the client, or if the client poses a danger to others, therapists may be legally and ethically required to disclose the necessary information to relevant parties, such as emergency services or other healthcare professionals, to prevent harm.

The decision to release information should be based on the therapist's professional judgment, applicable laws, ethical guidelines, and the specific context of the crisis. Therefore, in many cases, immediate disclosure in response to a crisis may be justified and necessary to protect the individuals involved.