Under what condition can confidential information be released without prior consent from the client?

The correct choice reflects the legal and ethical obligations regarding the reporting of child abuse. In many jurisdictions, mental health professionals, including Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialists, are mandated reporters. This means they are legally required to report any reasonable suspicion of child abuse to the proper authorities, even if the client does not give consent. This obligation serves to protect the vulnerable population of children from ongoing harm. By prioritizing the safety of the child, the law allows for the release of confidential information without the client’s prior consent in situations where there is a clear indication of abuse.

The other options do not meet the criteria for mandatory reporting or confidentiality breaches under most ethical and legal standards. For instance, client refusal to cooperate, expressing suicidal thoughts, or being a substance user do not automatically justify violating confidentiality without further context and assessment. Each of these situations requires careful consideration, potentially involving further risk assessments or interventions, rather than an immediate breach of client confidentiality.