What should LPCCs do if they believe a client presents a risk to themselves or others?

• A. Immediately terminate the therapeutic relationship
• B. Discuss risk management strategies with the client
• C. Seek involuntary hospitalization without client consent
• D. Assess the situation and consult legal/ethical guidelines

Answer: (D)

When licensed professional clinical counselors (LPCCs) encounter a situation where a client may pose a risk to themselves or others, the most appropriate course of action is to assess the situation and consult legal and ethical guidelines. This option emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexities of the client's risk factors and the duty of care that counselors have towards their clients and the community.

By conducting a thorough assessment, LPCCs can determine the level of risk present, consider the context of the client's situation, and decide on the best interventions to ensure safety. Consulting legal and ethical guidelines is crucial, as these frameworks provide the counselor with the necessary standards to navigate the ethical dilemmas related to confidentiality, duty to warn, and mandated reporting. It aids in making informed decisions that prioritize both client welfare and public safety.

This careful and systematic approach reflects professional standards required in counseling practice, ensuring that actions taken are justified, supported by evidence, and respectful of client autonomy whenever possible. Engaging in risk management strategies or considering hospitalization could emerge from this assessment process, but the initial step must always involve a careful evaluation of the client's condition and a review of relevant legal and ethical considerations.