What does it mean to have a duty to protect clients in therapy?

Having a duty to protect clients in therapy entails taking necessary actions to prevent harm, particularly in situations where a client poses a risk to themselves or others, such as in cases of suicidal ideation or intent. This responsibility is rooted in the ethical and legal obligations of therapists to ensure the safety and well-being of their clients.

When therapists recognize that a client may be at risk of self-harm or suicide, they must assess the level of danger and take appropriate steps to mitigate this risk, which may include discussing the situation with the client, implementing safety planning, discussing hospitalization if necessary, or notifying appropriate authorities or family members. This active role in protecting clients is a fundamental aspect of clinical practice that prioritizes client safety over confidentiality when it is at risk.

While providing emergency contacts, ensuring confidentiality, and maintaining a strict therapy schedule are important aspects of therapy practice, they do not specifically address the urgent ethical responsibility to protect clients from immediate harm. Thus, the focus on prevention of harm to suicidal clients distinctly aligns with the duty to protect principle in therapeutic settings.