Final answer:
According to the APA Ethics Code, confidentiality of communication with a patient could ethically be broken in certain circumstances. This includes situations where there is a risk of harm to others or when there is a legal or court order requiring disclosure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The APA Ethics Code recognizes that there are circumstances in which confidentiality of communication with a patient can ethically be broken. One such circumstance is when there is a risk of harm to others. For example, if a patient discloses plans to harm someone else, the therapist may have a duty to warn the potential victim and take appropriate action. Another circumstance is when there is a legal or court order requiring the disclosure of information. In these cases, the therapist has a duty to comply with the law.
It is important to note that the rules regarding patient confidentiality may vary depending on the severity of the situation and the specific laws and regulations in place. The decision to break confidentiality should always be made with careful consideration of the potential risks and benefits, and should be guided by ethical principles.
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