When working with an adolescent who is suicidal, the counselor:

Prepare for the LPCC Law and Ethics Test 2. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with explanations. Enhance your understanding of ethics and legal standards for effective counseling practice.

Confidentiality has limits when there is imminent danger to a person. In ethics and professional practice, there is an exception that allows or requires breaching confidentiality to prevent serious harm, including self-harm by a minor. When an adolescent is suicidal and the risk is real and imminent, the counselor may disclose information to appropriate parties (often a parent or guardian and possibly emergency services) to ensure the youth’s safety. This aligns with duty to warn/protect and with the reality that, for minors, safety concerns can justify disclosure to parents while still aiming to involve the adolescent in the process and share only the necessary information. Parental involvement is important, but it isn’t required that consent be obtained before any disclosure in an emergency; the protective purpose overrides the default rule of confidentiality.