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

What is an important aspect of ethical practice when conducting therapy with minors?

1. The therapist must obtain parental consent for all sessions

2. The therapist must keep everything confidential from parents

3. The therapist must explain the limits of confidentiality to the minor

4. The therapist should avoid addressing sensitive topics with minors

The correct answer is: The therapist must explain the limits of confidentiality to the minor

An important aspect of ethical practice when conducting therapy with minors is explaining the limits of confidentiality to the minor. This is crucial because minors often need to understand the parameters of what they can share in a therapeutic setting and what information may need to be disclosed to parents or guardians. By clarifying these limits, the therapist helps build trust and encourages open communication, while also ensuring that the minor is aware that certain disclosures, particularly those related to safety or legal obligations, might not remain confidential. This understanding empowers the minor and informs them about their rights and the nature of the therapeutic relationship. It also reinforces the ethical principle of informed consent, tailored to the developmental level of the minor. Discussing confidentiality helps to create a safe therapeutic environment, wherein the minor can express themselves without fear of unanticipated consequences of their disclosures.