Duty to Warn
Some courts have held that if an individual intends to take harmful, dangerous, or criminal action against another human being, or against himself or herself, it is the counselor's duty to warn appropriate individuals of such intentions. Those warned may include a variety of persons such as:
1. The person or the family of the person who is likely to suffer the results of harmful behavior.
2. The family of the client who intends to harm him/herself or someone else.
3. Associates, friends of those threatened,or making threats.
4. Law enforcement and medical emergency officials.