Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Therapist Development Center Practice Exam

What ethical concern is raised by the social worker's public post about a client's loss?

1. It demonstrates a lack of professionalism

2. It is both illegal and unethical

3. It promotes awareness of mental health issues

4. It provides a support network for other social workers

The correct answer is: It is both illegal and unethical

The ethical concern raised by the social worker's public post about a client's loss primarily revolves around confidentiality and the duty to protect client privacy. When a social worker shares information related to a client's personal experiences or losses without the client's explicit consent, it breaches the client's confidentiality, which is a fundamental principle of ethical practice in social work. In this scenario, revealing sensitive client information publicly is both illegal and unethical because it undermines the trust that clients place in social workers to protect their private information. This violation can lead to harm for the client, potentially affecting their mental health and well-being. Furthermore, breaching confidentiality can have legal repercussions for the social worker, as it contravenes state laws and professional guidelines that mandate the safeguarding of client information. Key ethical principles dictate that social workers must respect and uphold the dignity and worth of individuals, which includes maintaining the privacy of client communications. Sharing details about a client's loss in a public forum does not align with these principles and can damage the therapeutic relationship, as clients may feel exposed or vulnerable due to the lack of discretion. Thus, the action of making such a public post without proper consent raises serious ethical concerns, underlining its classification as both unethical and illegal in many contexts.