What must a therapist do if ordered by a court to release information?

A therapist must follow the court order to release information when legally mandated. This action reflects the therapist's obligation to adhere to legal requirements and the authority of the court. While confidentiality is a critical component of therapeutic practice, it can be overridden by legal obligations, such as court orders.

In such cases, the therapist must take care to release only the information specified by the order, ensuring they comply fully with the law while still maintaining the client's privacy to the extent possible. Following the court order protects the therapist from potential legal repercussions for non-compliance and ensures they fulfill their ethical obligations as a professional.

Other options involve actions that either circumvent the legal obligation or do not appropriately address the situation. For instance, refraining from commenting or seeking permission from the client does not align with the requirement to comply with the court's directive, while providing additional context might not be warranted or lawful depending on the nature of the order.