How should a psychologist manage a client who presents an immediate danger to themselves or others?

When a psychologist encounters a client who poses an immediate danger to themselves or others, the most appropriate course of action involves taking steps to protect both the client and those at risk. This response is grounded in ethical and legal obligations, including the duty to protect and the principle of beneficence, which emphasizes the importance of acting in the best interest of clients and others.

Taking protective steps may include conducting a thorough risk assessment, creating a safety plan, and possibly taking immediate action such as hospitalization or contacting emergency services if there is an imminent risk. This proactive approach prioritizes the safety and well-being of the client and at-risk individuals, ensuring that appropriate interventions are deployed promptly.

In contrast to this approach, continuing regular sessions would not address the urgent nature of the threat, notifying family members alone may not provide sufficient immediate safety measures, and simply referring the client to a colleague can lead to delays in critical intervention. Each of these alternatives might overlook the immediate risks posed, failing to uphold the psychologist's responsibility to ensure safety.