Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) Practice Exam

What may happen to confidentiality when a client expresses suicidal thoughts?

1. Confidentiality may be breached

2. Confidentiality must never be breached

3. Confidentiality must always be breached

4. Confidentiality may only be breached to the police

The correct answer is: Confidentiality may be breached

When a client expresses suicidal thoughts, confidentiality may be breached to protect the client's safety and well-being. In many circumstances, mental health professionals have a legal and ethical obligation to take action if a client poses a danger to themselves or others. This often involves breaking confidentiality to inform appropriate parties, which could include reaching out to family members, mental health professionals, or emergency services, depending on the severity of the situation. While confidentiality is a crucial aspect of the therapeutic relationship and must be maintained whenever possible, the duty to protect life and prevent harm takes precedence when a client is at risk of suicide. Ethically, counselors are trained to balance the principle of confidentiality with the imperative to protect clients in crisis, making it clear that in such situations, breaching confidentiality is considered necessary and justified for the immediate safety of the client.