When a therapist discovers a client is HIV positive and has withheld this information from their spouse, what is the therapist's ethical responsibility?

In this scenario, the therapist's ethical responsibility centers on respecting client confidentiality while navigating the complexities of public health and potential harm to others. The correct choice emphasizes that a therapist must protect client confidentiality unless there is a clear legal mandate to disclose certain information.

Therapists are bound by ethical guidelines, such as those from the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and other professional bodies, which prioritize maintaining confidentiality as a fundamental part of the therapeutic relationship. This confidentiality is crucial for fostering trust, encouraging clients to share sensitive issues without fear of repercussions.

While there may be a strong moral argument for encouraging the patient to disclose HIV status, especially to a spouse who could be affected, the therapist cannot directly disclose this information without the client's consent or unless legally compelled. In some jurisdictions, there may be laws that require disclosure in cases where there is a significant risk of harm to another person. However, unless that specific mandate exists, the default ethical position is to safeguard the client's privacy.

If the therapist has concerns about potential harm to the spouse or the public, they might consider facilitating the client in finding ways to disclose their status safely, integrating supportive strategies within therapy. Such an approach respects the client's confidentiality while also addressing the ethical implications of the situation. In seeking legal