How should counselor decisions regarding disclosure of contagious diseases be primarily guided?

In the context of counselor decisions regarding the disclosure of contagious diseases, the guiding principle revolves around the potential risks associated with non-disclosure. Counselors have an ethical and legal obligation to protect both the client and the broader community. When a contagious disease is involved, there can be significant implications for public health, safety, and well-being.

This perspective emphasizes the importance of assessing the risks that the disease poses to others and the potential consequences of keeping such information confidential. Counselors must consider how a client's condition may affect others, especially in environments such as schools, healthcare facilities, or communal living situations. The focus is on minimizing harm and ensuring that necessary precautions are taken to protect those who might be at risk.

While client preferences are important and should always be considered in the decision-making process, they do not take precedence over public safety concerns in cases of contagious diseases. A counselor must balance respect for client autonomy with the need to prevent harm to others. Thus, the framework for decision-making should align primarily with an assessment of risk rather than individual beliefs or norms in practice alone.