When a client discloses illegal activities, how should a counselor respond?

• A. Follow mandated reporting laws while protecting confidentiality to the extent possible and involve supervisors.
• B. Immediately report to authorities without discussing with the client.
• C. Ignore the disclosure and continue therapy.
• D. Terminate therapy.

Answer: (B)

When a client discloses illegal activities, the counselor must balance safety, legal duties, and confidentiality. The best approach is to follow mandated reporting laws while protecting confidentiality to the extent possible, and to involve a supervisor in the decision-making process. Start by discussing with the client what information may be shared and why, so they understand the limits of confidentiality. If the law requires reporting, you report the information that is legally mandated, and you do so with the supervisor’s guidance to ensure proper procedures are followed. Document the steps you took and the rationale behind them. This approach protects people from harm, honors professional obligations, and preserves the therapeutic alliance as much as possible.

Reporting immediately without client discussion ignores the therapeutic relationship and may overstep confidentiality, while ignoring the disclosure or terminating therapy does not address safety or legal duties.