In what scenario can confidentiality be breached according to ethical guidelines?

Confidentiality in therapeutic relationships is a fundamental ethical principle, but there are specific circumstances under which this confidentiality can be breached. One of the primary scenarios in which confidentiality can be overridden is when there is a duty to protect. This duty arises when there is imminent risk of harm to the client or to others. For example, if a client expresses intent to harm themselves or others, or if there are credible threats to someone's safety, the psychologist has an ethical and often legal obligation to intervene. This may include breaking confidentiality to inform authorities or other necessary parties to prevent harm.

This principle is rooted in the ethical standards that prioritize the safety and well-being of individuals and the public. Thus, in these high-stakes situations, breaching confidentiality not only prevents potential harm but also aligns with the ethical obligation of the practitioner to protect life.

In contrast, other scenarios such as a client's mere request to breach confidentiality, the necessity to share information for billing purposes, or the idea of sharing for public awareness do not meet the threshold of imminent harm and therefore do not justify breaches of confidentiality according to ethical guidelines.