How should conflicts of interest be handled ethically?

• A. Disclose potential conflicts, avoid exploiting the client, and refer to another professional if needed.
• B. Keep conflicts secret to protect the client.
• C. Exploit the client for personal gain.
• D. Ignore potential conflicts.

Answer: (B)

Handling conflicts of interest ethically means disclosing them and actively managing them to protect the client’s welfare and maintain trust. When a potential conflict exists, the clinician should explain how it might influence judgment or treatment, discuss it with the client in clear terms, and obtain informed consent about how care will proceed. If the conflict could compromise objectivity, steps should be taken to mitigate it—such as setting firmer boundaries, limiting the scope of services, or referring the client to another qualified professional. Documentation of the disclosure and the agreed plan is essential. Keeping conflicts secret, exploiting the client, or ignoring conflicts undermines autonomy, breaches trust, and can harm the client.