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

What is the most ethical action for a therapist with a client who fears retaliation for reporting abuse?

1. Instruct the client to ignore the incident

2. File a report while assuring the client of confidentiality

3. Discuss the incident with facility management

4. Reassure the client that reporting is unnecessary

The correct answer is: File a report while assuring the client of confidentiality

Filing a report while assuring the client of confidentiality is the most ethical course of action in this situation. This approach acknowledges the seriousness of the reported abuse and prioritizes the safety and well-being of the client, which is central to ethical therapy practice. Reporting abuse is often mandated by law for mental health professionals, especially in cases involving vulnerable populations or minors. By assuring the client that their confidentiality will be respected to the extent possible, the therapist can help alleviate some of the client's fears about potential retaliation and build trust in the therapeutic relationship. Addressing the issue directly and ethically empowers the client, and shows that the therapist takes their concerns seriously. It provides an opportunity to explore the client's feelings about the incident further and to collaborate on the best steps to take moving forward. This approach can also serve to validate the client’s experiences and encourage them to feel more secure in the therapeutic environment. Instead of simply instructing the client to ignore the incident or dismissing their fears as unnecessary, the ethical handling of the situation involves open communication about the implications of reporting and the therapist's duty to protect individuals from harm. Discussing the incident with facility management could also be appropriate in certain contexts, but it may not fully reassure the client in the same way as direct engagement