Which steps should an LPCC take when a client expresses imminent risk of self-harm?

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.

When there is imminent risk of self-harm, the priority is to keep the client safe. The best approach is to rapidly assess the level of risk, work with the client to create a concrete safety plan, document all decisions and actions, and take steps to ensure safety, which may include emergency intervention or notifying authorities if warranted. Doing a risk assessment helps determine how immediate the danger is and what interventions are needed. A safety plan translates that assessment into practical, actionable steps the client can follow during a crisis, with the clinician guiding and supporting the process. Documentation of the risk, decisions, and actions provides a clear record for continuity of care and legal/ethical accountability. Taking appropriate safety measures, including emergency services or notifying authorities when necessary, aligns with professional obligations to protect the client and intervene when there is real danger.

Options that delay action, wait for a court order, or prioritize confidentiality over safety do not meet these responsibilities. Imminent risk requires timely, proactive steps to prevent harm, even if that means breaching confidentiality to coordinate a safe intervention.