In which situation might a counselor be legally obliged to break confidentiality?

A counselor may be legally obliged to break confidentiality in situations where there is a suspicion of child abuse. This legal obligation stems from mandatory reporting laws designed to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly children, from harm. When a counselor has reasonable grounds to believe that a child is being abused or neglected, they are required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities. This action prioritizes the safety and welfare of the child and reflects the ethical duty of counselors to protect clients, especially those who cannot protect themselves.

In other scenarios, such as a client requesting a referral to another therapist, discussing future goals, or expressing frustration with therapy, confidentiality remains intact. These situations do not typically involve imminent harm or legal mandates that would override the ethical responsibility to maintain confidentiality.