Under which circumstances can a psychologist breach confidentiality?

Breaching confidentiality in psychology is a serious matter, governed by ethical guidelines and legal standards. The correct answer encompasses several key circumstances under which a psychologist may disclose confidential information.

Consent from the client is one circumstance in which confidentiality can be breached. When a client provides explicit consent for their information to be shared, it is both ethical and legal for the psychologist to disclose that information to designated parties. This might occur in situations where the client understands the implications and agrees to the sharing of their data for purposes such as treatment coordination or insurance claims.

Another important reason for breaching confidentiality is to prevent harm or crime. If a psychologist becomes aware of a situation where there is imminent risk of significant harm to the client or others—such as a threat of violence or abuse—they may have the ethical and legal obligation to report this information to appropriate authorities. The principle of duty to warn or protect is vital in these scenarios to ensure safety.

Additionally, confidentiality can be breached when a psychologist is ordered to do so by a court. Legal mandates, such as subpoenas, require psychologists to provide records or testimony, and compliance with these orders is necessary, particularly when they pertain to legal proceedings involving the client.

Thus, in summary, the correct answer includes all the mentioned