Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

Under which circumstance can a counselor legally break confidentiality?

1. When a client offers positive feedback

2. When a client is at risk of harm to self or others

3. When a client is unhappy with the sessions

4. When clients request their records

The correct answer is: When a client is at risk of harm to self or others

A counselor can legally break confidentiality when a client is at risk of harm to themselves or others. This circumstance falls under the ethical and legal duty of care that counselors have to protect clients and others from potential danger. When there is credible information indicating that a client may engage in self-harming behavior or pose a threat to another individual, the counselor must prioritize safety over confidentiality. This is established under various mental health regulations and ethical guidelines that require practitioners to act in the best interest of the client while also considering the safety of others. In contrast, situations like receiving positive feedback, a client expressing dissatisfaction with sessions, or clients requesting their records do not warrant breaking confidentiality. Positive feedback is a normal part of the therapeutic relationship and does not present any risk. Unhappiness with sessions might indicate a need for therapeutic adjustments but does not involve a legal or ethical obligation to disclose information. Additionally, clients have the right to access their records, which generally does not involve breaching confidentiality as long as the process follows proper legal and ethical protocols.