What is the "duty to warn" in Texas counseling law?

The "duty to warn" in Texas counseling law refers to the obligation of mental health professionals to inform potential victims when there is a credible threat of harm. This legal and ethical duty is designed to protect individuals from foreseeable harm that a client may pose to them. When a counselor has reason to believe that a client may cause serious harm to another person, they are required to take appropriate steps to warn the potential victim, which may include notifying law enforcement or the potential victim directly.

This requirement emphasizes the priority of safety and illustrates the importance of counselors’ responsibilities not only to their clients but also to the broader community. It ensures that mental health professionals actively engage in risk assessment and take necessary actions to avert potential crises when they arise.

Understanding this duty is crucial for counselors, as failing to act on a credible threat could result in legal consequences and ethical breaches, highlighting the weight of the responsibility that comes with the counseling profession.