California Law and Ethics Practice Exam

What is a therapist's duty in a crisis situation?

1. To create chaos and confusion

2. To establish safety, structure, and stability

3. To act without regard for competence

4. To avoid documenting the crisis

The correct answer is: To establish safety, structure, and stability

A therapist's primary duty in a crisis situation is to establish safety, structure, and stability. This approach is crucial because individuals in crisis often experience heightened emotional distress and confusion, which can lead to disorientation and even unsafe behaviors. By prioritizing a safe environment, therapists can help clients feel secure and begin to process their emotions and thoughts more clearly. Creating structure means providing clear guidance and support during a time of vulnerability. This can include setting up a safe space, outlining the next steps, and reassuring the client that they are not alone in facing their challenges. Stability is crucial for helping clients feel grounded and understood, enabling them to access their coping mechanisms more effectively. Other choices, such as creating chaos, acting without regard for competence, or avoiding documentation, contradict the fundamental principles of responsible and effective therapeutic practice. These actions would not only endanger the client but could also lead to ethical and legal ramifications for the therapist. Thus, the choice to establish safety, structure, and stability is not just appropriate; it is an essential aspect of the therapist's responsibilities during a crisis.