What comprises the 'duty to protect'?

The 'duty to protect' is a critical ethical and legal obligation that counselors must adhere to when they have reason to believe that a client may harm themselves or others. This duty goes beyond just informing the client about potential risks. It encompasses taking appropriate action to prevent harm, which includes warning potential victims and notifying law enforcement authorities when there is a credible threat.

By warning the intended target, counselors actively engage in preventing harm, thereby fulfilling their responsibility to protect individuals at risk. Additionally, involving the police may be necessary to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to prevent violence or self-harm. This proactive approach reflects the counselor's ethical commitment to safety and the well-being of both the client and others who may be endangered.

Other choices fail to adequately address the comprehensive nature of the duty to protect. Simply notifying a client of risks does not actively prevent potential harm. Fulfilling legal obligations without client involvement does not fully take into account the immediate actions that may be necessary to safeguard those at risk. Likewise, a promise to keep all information confidential is vital in establishing trust in the counselor-client relationship, but it does not supersede the duty to disclose information when there is an imminent risk of harm.