You are working with a client who has a problem with alcoholism.He begins telling you that he is drinking to avoid his wife who makes him so angry he is fantasizing about ways to hurt her.You decide that the confidentiality of your client is paramount and do not warn the wife.Which of the following statements accurately represents your liability for malpractice in this example?

A) You have increased your liability to the client.You have no liability issues with the wife; she is not your client.
B) You have decreased your liability to the client.You have no liability issues with the wife; she is not your client.
C) While you have increased your liability to the client, you also may have liability issues with the wife if she is harmed.
D) While you have decreased your liability to the client, you also may have liability issues with the wife if she is harmed.

Question

Damiyah Whitmore · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : D, Explanation :  As a therapist, the safety of all parties involved is of utmost importance. By not warning the wife, you could potentially be held liable if she is harmed. While you have potentially decreased your liability to the client by maintaining confidentiality, it is important to weigh the potential harm to others and take appropriate action to minimize risk.

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