A client tells you that you can be trusted and they want to share something with you but does not want you to tell anyone else. Your best response would be:

A client tells you that you can be trusted and they want to share something with you but does not want you to tell anyone else. Your best response would be:

• A. Agree not to tell others.
• B. Say nothing, allowing the client to go on talking.
• C. Refuse to agree to request.
• D. Explain that you cannot promise confidentiality and state reasons.

Answer: (D)

Confidentiality has limits in mental health care. While you want to protect the client’s privacy, you must be clear that you cannot promise absolute secrecy. The best response acknowledges the client’s trust and explains what information may require disclosure. You would tell them that certain disclosures are necessary to keep them safe or to meet legal or professional obligations, and that you will share only what is needed with the appropriate members of the treatment team or authorities. You can also discuss with the client what information can remain confidential and who might have access if disclosure is needed, and seek some agreement about what will be shared and with whom. This approach builds trust while ensuring safety and compliance with the duty to protect and mandatory reporting requirements.

Confidentiality has limits in mental health care. While you want to protect the client’s privacy, you must be clear that you cannot promise absolute secrecy. The best response acknowledges the client’s trust and explains what information may require disclosure. You would tell them that certain disclosures are necessary to keep them safe or to meet legal or professional obligations, and that you will share only what is needed with the appropriate members of the treatment team or authorities. You can also discuss with the client what information can remain confidential and who might have access if disclosure is needed, and seek some agreement about what will be shared and with whom. This approach builds trust while ensuring safety and compliance with the duty to protect and mandatory reporting requirements.