What To Do When Your Client Threatens To Harm Themselves or Others

Social workers enter the field to protect and support vulnerable populations. But what happens when a client threatens to harm themselves or others? In these moments, social workers must know and follow the code of ethics, confidentiality laws and HIPAA obligations, and be familiar with state court opinions on the topic.

When a client shows a clear intent to cause harm, it is essential to use clinical judgment to assess the severity of the situation and make the decision to take immediate action. Timely intervention can mean the difference between a preventable situation and a tragic outcome or a crisis that is successfully de-escalated.

What Is Considered an Imminent Threat?

An imminent threat occurs when a client threatens violence towards themselves or others – and the clinician makes the clinical judgment that the risk is immediate, requiring urgent intervention.

For example, your client consistently reports a workplace conflict and blames their supervisor for ongoing problems. While this situation reflects frustration, clinically it does not rise to the level of an imminent threat to warrant emergency action. However, if in a later session the client becomes visibly distressed and specifically states that something deserves to happen to their supervisor and that they should just get rid of the problem themselves, the situation becomes a threat and demands immediate social worker intervention.

What Are the Immediate Steps a Social Worker Must Take After Determining a Threat is Credible?

Once a threat is made, it is a social worker’s responsibility to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment. This involves asking questions like, “How long have you been feeling this way?” “Do you have a plan to act?” and “When do you plan to do this and how?” These types of questions assess the seriousness and immediacy of the threat, guide next steps and help protect everyone involved.

If the social worker determines that a clear, imminent threat exists, then the social worker must consider what to do immediately. Generally, there are going to be three things that can be done to execute their “duty to warn.” First, the social worker can contact law enforcement to inform them of the threat and the need to intervene. Second, the social worker can initiate steps to seek involuntary commitment to a hospital for evaluation and treatment. Third, the social worker can warn the victim. The social worker would contact the identified person, such as the supervisor at work, and warn them of the possibility of violence.

Equally important is maintaining a calm, professional demeanor. Remaining composed keeps communication open and reduces the risk of escalation. A client who feels accused or panicked may leave the room or disconnect from a virtual session, increasing danger rather than reducing it.

Who Must Be Notified When a Client Makes a Serious Threat of Violence?

Once a threat is determined to be credible, contacting law enforcement should be seriously considered, along with initiating commitment and specifically reaching out to the identified potential victim.

If a client expresses an intent to use a firearm inappropriately or in a dangerous manner, social workers may also contact the state agency to report the person as a clear and present danger and ask the licensing agency to remove their gun permit, thereby revoking their ability to own a gun.

Many states also have “red flag” laws that allow law enforcement, family members, household members and others to petition the court for an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO). These orders can immediately remove a firearm from someone for a temporary period if they pose an imminent risk of harm to themselves or others.

Similarly, most states provide processes that allow social workers and others to file an involuntary commitment petition when a client is deemed a danger to themselves or the public. If granted, that enables law enforcement to transport a person against their will to a psychiatric facility or hospital for an examination to determine whether they should be kept hospitalized against their will.

What Should You Immediately Document?

To protect yourself during these processes, documenting every step you take is critical. Social workers should document the exact words the client used, the identified targets, methods and timings, your clinical assessment and reasoning, recommendations, actions taken, agencies contacted and a brief explanation as to why your actions were necessary.

These threats are serious and can irreparably alter lives. Clear, factual documentation protects both the public and the practitioner while establishing the credibility and urgency of the response.

How Professional Liability Insurance Protects You

In addition to thorough documentation, professional liability insurance is essential. Even when social workers act appropriately and within the scope of practice, they may still face legal claims. Professional liability insurance provides protection when actions are taken lawfully and ethically and often includes access to legal consultation through insurer hotlines.

To protect clients, the public and their practice, social workers must fully understand their duties and respond decisively when a client poses a danger to themselves or others. Violent threats should never be carried out, and with timely, informed social workers’ intervention, they don’t have to be.