How Can Confidentiality Be Broken

As previously stated counselors have an ethical duty to protect their client’s confidentiality; however, there are certain legal circumstances under which confidentiality must be broken. This occurs when a client is at immediate risk of harming themselves or others, discloses information about child abuse and when a counselor is suspended by the courts (Werth, Caroline and Rebekah 2002). In cases in which the client discloses or implies a plan for suicide, the counselor is obligated to notify legal authorities and should attempt to contact the client’s family to notify them of the situation. When a client reveals intentions or a plan to harm another person, the counselor is not only required to report the information to legal authorities, but
they must also notify the intended victim. If a counselor becomes aware that child abuse is taking place the counselor must inform the authorities.