When counseling a minor who has disclosed potential harm, which is the counselor's primary duty?

• A. Maintain confidentiality at all costs
• B. Notify the parents immediately
• C. Assess the danger and take appropriate action to ensure safety
• D. Refer the minor to another professional

Answer: (C)

When counseling a minor who has disclosed potential harm, the counselor's primary duty is to assess the danger and take appropriate action to ensure safety. This responsibility stems from the ethical obligation to protect the well-being of the client, particularly when minors are involved, as they may not have the capacity to fully understand the implications of the harm they are facing.

Assessing the danger allows the counselor to determine the immediacy and severity of the situation. This might involve evaluating whether the threat is credible, the context of the disclosure, and the potential for harm to the minor. Based on that assessment, the counselor can take necessary steps, which may include notifying appropriate authorities, involving parents when appropriate, or ensuring that the minor receives the necessary support and resources.

Maintaining confidentiality is a significant ethical principle, but when there is a risk of harm to the client, confidentiality may be breached to protect the minor's safety. Furthermore, notifying the parents or referring the minor to another professional may be part of the actions taken after assessing the situation, but the primary duty is ensuring immediate safety and addressing any risk of harm first.