When approached by a police officer regarding a client who admitted to a crime, what should the counselor do?

The appropriate response in this scenario is to neither confirm nor deny the client's status due to confidentiality. Counselors are bound by ethical guidelines and laws that protect client confidentiality. The confidentiality of the therapeutic relationship is fundamental, as it fosters trust and encourages clients to be honest during their sessions.

By not disclosing any information to the police officer, the counselor respects the client's privacy rights, which may take precedence over the law enforcement officer's request. This approach upholds the ethical standards set by professional organizations like the American Counseling Association, which emphasizes the importance of confidentiality in counseling.

This choice, while ensuring the counselor does not compromise the client's trust, also allows time for the counselor to assess the situation fully, consider legal obligations, and consult with legal or ethical guidelines before taking any further steps. It is important to note that while counselors may have a duty to report certain disclosures, they must carefully navigate these situations to serve both the client's best interest and their legal/ethical responsibilities.