Duty to Protect

The Duty to Protect is a legal and ethical obligation, primarily associated with mental health professionals, to take reasonable steps to safeguard individuals who may be at risk of harm. This duty arises when a client poses a credible threat to themselves or others. If a psychologist, counselor, or therapist identifies such a risk, they may need to inform authorities or take action to prevent potential harm, balancing client confidentiality with the need to protect. This principle is rooted in the belief that the safety of individuals and the public outweighs the confidentiality of the therapeutic relationship.