Under what circumstances can a psychologist break confidentiality according to Pennsylvania law?

In Pennsylvania, the law permits psychologists to break confidentiality when there is a clear and imminent danger to the client or others. This provision is designed to ensure that the safety of individuals is prioritized over the confidentiality typically maintained in a therapeutic relationship. When a psychologist identifies a situation where harm may occur, they have a legal and ethical obligation to disclose relevant information to prevent that harm. This allows for timely interventions that could potentially save lives or mitigate serious injury.

The other options do not meet the legal criteria for breaching confidentiality. For instance, a request from a family member does not suffice to override confidentiality rights, as maintaining client privacy is paramount unless the client has explicitly granted permission. Professional consultations typically have safeguards in place that protect client confidentiality, allowing psychologists to seek guidance without breaching privacy. Finally, in the case of minors, while there may be additional considerations with parental involvement in treatment, confidentiality cannot be broken simply due to age unless there are specific concerns about safety or legal obligations.