Massachusetts Psychology Jurisprudence Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Resource

In the context of the duty to warn, this duty is typically activated when a client poses a credible threat to another individual's safety. The concept of "duty to warn" is grounded in the ethical and legal obligation of mental health professionals to take preventive measures when they identify potential harm to others.

When considering the situation in which a client indicates they are feeling depressed, it does not inherently imply an immediate or credible threat to harm themselves or others. Depression, while serious and requiring attention, does not automatically equate to a duty to warn. The need for vigilance regarding suicidal ideation or risk of harm arises only if there are explicit threats or plans associated with that depression.

In contrast, scenarios that involve explicit threats, behaviors indicative of possible violence, or ongoing involvement with violent thoughts or actions typically do trigger the duty to warn. Thus, the other options presented reflect situations that could reasonably indicate a potential risk to others or the need for intervention, making them more relevant to the application of duty to warn. Feeling depressed alone lacks the specificity of a potential danger, which is why it does not trigger the same obligation.