What is meant by the “duty to warn” in the context of psychology?

The "duty to warn" refers to the ethical and legal responsibility of mental health professionals to breach confidentiality when a client poses a serious and imminent threat to themselves or others. This principle is rooted in the idea that the safety and well-being of individuals take precedence over confidentiality. If a psychologist determines that there is a credible threat, they are required to take appropriate actions, which may include informing potential victims, law enforcement, or other necessary parties.

This duty arises from the recognition that failing to act in situations where there is a clear risk of harm can lead to severe consequences, including injury or loss of life. Mental health professionals are trained to assess risk factors and determine when the duty to warn is applicable, which impacts both ethical decision-making and legal obligations in practice.