Under what circumstances may professionals break confidentiality?

Professionals may break confidentiality primarily when there is a risk of client harm to self or others. This principle is rooted in the ethical responsibility of helping professionals to protect the safety and well-being of their clients and the community. If a professional believes that a client poses a serious threat to themselves (such as thoughts of suicide or self-harm) or to others (such as intentions to harm someone), they have an obligation to act in order to prevent that harm. This may involve notifying authorities, sharing information with other professionals, or taking other necessary actions to ensure safety.

In contrast, other scenarios do not typically warrant a breach of confidentiality. If clients ask for their information to be shared, confidentiality is maintained unless there is an imminent danger involved. Similarly, while company policy may guide how confidentiality is handled, it must align with ethical standards and the legal obligations regarding client safety. Lastly, clients sharing personal stories in a therapeutic context does not inherently justify breaking confidentiality unless those stories indicate a potential risk of harm.