The ICF Code of Ethics (Section 4.3) allows breaches of confidentiality "when required by law or to prevent serious harm," and suicidal ideation with a specific plan constitutes an immediate risk. Coaching boundaries exclude handling mental health crises (ICF Definition of Coaching), requiring urgent action. Let's assess:
A . Tell the client to call a therapist: This delays intervention in a crisis and shifts responsibility to the client, who may not act, contradicting the coach's duty to prevent harm (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 2.5).
B . Contact the appropriate emergency response services: This is the first step when a client presents an imminent threat to themselves, aligning with ethical and legal obligations to prioritize safety (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 4.3).
C . Schedule more frequent coaching sessions: This is inadequate for an emergency and exceeds coaching's scope (ICF Coaching Boundaries).
D . Discuss the issue with the client's family: This breaches confidentiality without consent unless harm is imminent and emergency services are unavailable, making it a secondary step (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 4).
Option B is the first action, as it addresses the immediate danger per ICF ethics and boundaries.