The Ethics of Duty to Warn

"Duty to warn" refers to the legal and ethical obligation of mental health professionals to inform potential victims when their client poses a credible threat of harm to them or others. This duty stems from the principle that the safety of individuals takes precedence over confidentiality. If a therapist assesses that their client presents a serious risk of harm, particularly in cases involving threats of violence or harm towards specific individuals, they are typically required to take steps to warn those potential victims or to take other appropriate actions to mitigate the risk. The specifics of duty to warn laws can vary by jurisdiction, but in general, mental health professionals are expected to act in accordance with their duty to protect public safety while also respecting the privacy and confidentiality of their clients to the extent possible. In this asynchronous course we dive into the ethical principles and legal considerations surrounding confidentiality rights and limitations when working with homicidal clients. Participants will gain valuable insights into assessment and protocol tools for effectively managing these challenging cases, while also exploring key considerations to avoid ethical and legal missteps.

Key Learning Objectives: 

1. Understanding Ethical Principles: Acquire knowledge of ethical principles and laws governing the confidentiality rights and limitations of clients who are homicidal.

2. Duty to Warn Protocol: Learn how to effectively apply ethics and laws to resolve complex ethical responsibilities surrounding the duty to warn, ensuring client and public safety.

3. Confidence Building: Gain the confidence to appropriately manage client and public safety issues in an ethical and legal manner, while upholding professional standards and obligations.

Course admission requirements:

Minimum of a Master's Degree in a mental health or related field; or be a student in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field. In Low- and Middle-Income Countries, a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field is required.

MEET THE PRESENTER

DIANE BIGLER, LCSW, LSCSW

Diane is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Missouri and Kansas. She has over 20 years of experience in the fields of psychology, social work and mental health. Diane was an Adjunct Professor of Social Work at The University of Kansas, School of Social Welfare, for over 10 years. She obtained her master's degree in Social Work from KU in 2006, with clinical concentrations in Children & Families and Mental Health. Diane taught classes in the Clinical Master's program, which included: Clinical Social Work Practice, Loss and Grief, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Family Therapy, Advanced Standing Practice, and Mental Health & Psychopathology. Diane was also a practicum Field Instructor, Field Liaison and Community Education trainer for the School of Social Welfare. Diane has facilitated hundreds of trainings to mental health professionals, physicians and nurses, teachers, police officers, business personnel, and local City Council members. Diane enjoys the creativity that comes with envisioning and designing trainings, and aims to provide trainings that are informative, engaging and skill-building. She has customized and facilitated leadership and corporate trainings to EAP clients on wellness and business topics.