Confidentiality and the duty to protect
What is Presented?
This session explores the concept of confidentiality in light of the mental health professional’s duty to protect. The historical evolution of the duties to protect and/or warn others from client caused harm and to protect clients from self-harm are explored. Important attention is paid to critically evaluating these duties, considering many factors that are often overlooked. Real life examples, like the important Tarasoff and Ewing cases, are used to clarify ethical and legal obligations, and highlighting the challenges found in the conflict between the two.
PDH approval: 1.5 PDHs Contact Hours: 1.5
Who Presents?
About the Presenter: Kathryn Krase, PhD, JD, MSW
Kathryn Krase, Ph.D., J.D., M.S.W., is a social worker, lawyer, researcher, educator, and expert on professional ethics. She has significant experience as a family law practitioner, social work supervisor, along with more than 20 years of experience in faculty and administrative roles in undergraduate, masters, and doctoral level social work programs in and around New York City. Dr. Krase is the Principal Consultant for Krase Consulting, in Brooklyn, New York, where she focuses on educating mental and physical health professionals on their general legal and ethical obligations.
Learning Objectives
1) Explain the legal and ethical obligation to keep client information confidential.
2) Describe the evolution of the duty to protect and/or warn those at risk of client caused harm.
3) Identify how duties to protect and/or warn compromise the professional relationship with clients.
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