What would you do if a client disclosed to you that they do not want to live anymore?
If your client has threatened to harm themself or others, you may be legally required to report the disclosure to authorities. This response will depend on your location and where you are a practicing Mental Health Counselor.
Assure the interviewer that you would take immediate action and follow ethical guidelines to protect your client, yourself, and your employer. Show the interviewer that you recognize the critical role that you play in preventing self-harm to your client.
"I believe that it's essential to talk about suicide openly and without confrontation. First, I would ensure that the client had no means of self-harm on them at the time of the conversation. Then, I would pay attention to our surroundings and make sure there were no self-harm tools available in the near vicinity. If the environment were deemed completely safe, I would then encourage my client to talk about their concerns and the factors that were making them feel that way. I would let them know the limits of confidentiality surrounding the issue, and I would remind my client of the various helpful resources available to them. During the conversation, I would be able to assess the immediacy of the situation and then consider proper next steps. It's important to note that I would rely on your agency's policies when it comes to thoughts of suicide and disclosure. In the end, I would do what it takes to keep my client safe while following critical regulations and protocol."
"As a Mental Health Counselor new to my career, I would first rely on the policies and regulations put into place at this facility. Following these protocols, I would then contact my supervisor and discuss the appropriate measures. These measures might be reaching out to a mental health facility where 24-hour care is available. I would do what it takes to eliminate immediate concerns or threats while also understanding that I am not solely responsible for the care and safety of the client. By addressing the clients' immediate stressors and coming up with a solid care plan, they could reach a safer place, emotionally. Then, the longer-term work of therapy could begin."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
Should a client disclose to me that he/she does not want to live anymore I would immediately ask if there is a plan because the safety of a client comes first. If there is a plan in place I would immediately share with the client the limits of confidentiality. This case will immediately be shared with my supervisor and guidelines set in place for such cases by the center will be followed including ethical guidelines which are to report the disclosure to authorities who will transport the client to a mental health facility for evaluation and treatment. It is my duty as a mental health provider to help in protecting the client from any form of self-harm.
Stephanie's Feedback
This is a really tough question (and a very difficult scenario to be in as a therapist.) Good answer.
Unlock all 40 Mental Health Counselor questions
Unlock expert responses to sensitive clinical and ethical interview questions.
Get Started