Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) Practice Exam

What is the term for the moral responsibility of the therapist when faced with a client's danger to themselves?

1. Ethical diligence

2. Confidentiality priority

3. Duty to warn

4. Informed consent

The correct answer is: Duty to warn

The correct term for the moral responsibility of the therapist when faced with a client's potential danger to themselves is "Duty to warn." This concept refers to the obligation of mental health professionals to disclose information to appropriate parties when a client poses a significant risk of harm, either to themselves or others. It is rooted in the ethical principle of protecting the safety and well-being of individuals, which sometimes necessitates breaking confidentiality to prevent harm. The duty to warn is informed by legal and ethical standards that prioritize client safety, and therapists must navigate these principles carefully to fulfill their obligations while also considering the client's rights and the therapeutic relationship. This distinction emphasizes the therapist's role in not only providing care but also ensuring that they take proactive steps in situations where there is an imminent threat. The other concepts mentioned do not focus specifically on the therapist's responsibility in situations of danger. Ethical diligence refers more broadly to the overall ethical standards a therapist must uphold. Confidentiality priority speaks to the importance of maintaining client confidentiality but does not address the circumstances under which confidentiality can be breached for safety reasons. Informed consent involves ensuring that clients understand the nature of their treatment and agree to it, but it does not directly relate to actions taken in response to threats of harm.