What must psychologists consider when deciding whether to breach confidentiality?

When psychologists are faced with the decision of whether to breach confidentiality, the potential risk of harm is paramount. This principle is grounded in ethical and legal obligations that prioritize the safety and well-being of clients and others. Psychologists must carefully evaluate situations where maintaining confidentiality may pose a significant risk of imminent harm to the client or to someone else.

For example, if a client expresses intentions or plans to harm themselves or others, confidentiality may need to be breached to protect those individuals from danger. This aligns with ethical guidelines, such as those set forth by the American Psychological Association, which dictate that the welfare of individuals takes precedence in certain critical situations.

Factors such as personal feelings about the client, the psychologist's workload, or the type of therapy being provided do not hold the same weight when assessing the necessity of breaching confidentiality. These elements may pertain to a psychologist's practice and approach but do not directly address the critical issue of ensuring safety and preventing harm, which is the core concern when deciding to breach confidentiality.