What aspect of client treatment does "duty to warn" pertain to?

The concept of "duty to warn" refers specifically to the ethical and legal obligation that mental health professionals have to inform potential victims when a client poses a serious risk of harm to them. This duty arises from the need to protect individuals from foreseeable harm and is rooted in both ethical standards and legal mandates. The "duty to warn" became more prominently recognized due to landmark cases such as Tarasoff v. Regents of the University of California, which established that therapists have a responsibility to take reasonable steps to warn individuals who may be endangered by a client's actions.

In practice, this means that if a mental health professional believes that a client is likely to harm a specific individual or themselves, they must take appropriate actions, which can include notifying the intended victim, contacting law enforcement, or taking other protective measures to ensure safety. This aspect of client treatment is critical for maintaining ethical standards in practice while also prioritizing the safety and well-being of others.

The other options relate to various aspects of client treatment and management but do not encompass the primary focus of "duty to warn." Documenting sessions thoroughly, providing emergency contacts, and ensuring follow-ups are important practices in therapy but do not address the specific legal and ethical obligations regarding the duty to warn potential