What issue was found to be the most frequent ethical/legal dilemma encountered by therapists?

Client confidentiality is often cited as the most frequent ethical and legal dilemma faced by therapists because it is fundamental to the therapeutic relationship. The ethical obligation to maintain confidentiality ensures that clients can share personal information freely without fear of it being disclosed to others. However, therapists also navigate complex situations where this confidentiality may be legally compromised, such as when there is a risk of harm to the client or others, or in instances of abuse reporting.

These situations require a careful balance between protecting clients' privacy and adhering to legal mandates. This dynamic can lead to ethical conflicts that therapists must address, making confidentiality a prominent issue in their practice.

In contrast, informed consent is also critical but generally involves more procedural aspects, therapy effectiveness pertains more to measuring outcomes rather than ethical dilemmas, and compensation and finances tend to be administrative issues rather than core ethical dilemmas. Thus, the consistent challenge involving client confidentiality highlights its significance as the most frequent ethical and legal dilemma therapists encounter.