What is a counselor's duty when a client expresses intent to harm others?

When a client expresses intent to harm others, the counselor's primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of potential victims. This duty involves taking the client's statement seriously and acting upon it, which includes warning the potential victim if there is a credible threat. This course of action aligns with the legal and ethical obligations of mental health professionals to prevent harm.

In many jurisdictions, the duty to warn is a recognized legal duty that requires counselors to notify individuals who might be in immediate danger due to a client's expressed intentions. By alerting the potential victim, the counselor is actively working to prevent possible harm and uphold safety in the community.

The other options do not meet the necessary ethical and legal standards for addressing such serious situations. Ignoring the statement would not only compromise safety but also violate professional ethics. Evaluating the client's overall mental state is important and should be part of the assessment process, but it does not replace the obligation to act on threats of harm. Referring the client to another professional may be appropriate in some contexts but does not address the immediate risk posed to others and is not sufficient action by itself in the face of a credible threat. Therefore, the most appropriate and responsible course of action is to warn the potential victim.