When is it appropriate for a psychologist to break confidentiality?

Breaking confidentiality is a significant ethical and legal obligation for psychologists, and it should only occur under specific circumstances. The correct choice identifies two critical scenarios: when required by law or when there is imminent danger to the client or others.

In legal contexts, psychologists may be mandated to report certain information, such as when they become aware of abuse (to children, vulnerable adults, etc.) or when there is a duty to warn, as established in landmark cases like Tarasoff v. Regents of University of California. This duty requires psychologists to take steps to protect individuals if a client presents a real and immediate threat to their safety or to the safety of others.

Imminent danger refers specifically to situations where there is a credible threat that could result in harm, necessitating action that may involve breaching confidentiality to prevent such outcomes. This strict adherence to legal and ethical guidelines ensures the safety of clients and others, aligning professional responsibilities with societal laws.

Other scenarios—such as when a therapist disagrees with a client, the client expresses dissatisfaction, or the client is facing financial issues—do not constitute adequate justification for breaking confidentiality. These situations do not involve a legal requirement or a risk of harm that would mandate disclosing private information, thus upholding the integrity and