Legal and Ethical Considerations for the Suicidal Crisis (IN: The Counselor and Suicidal Crisis: Diagnosis and Intervention)

This chapter discusses confidentiality between clients & counsellors. This privileged communication is allowed until counsellors judge clients to be a clear & imminent danger to themselves or others. Many laws say to inform police officers or health care professionals, & leave out the family, which often would be the most effective protector. Liability, & when a counsellor should refer a suicidal client to a psychologist or psychiatrist is also discussed. (VM)