California RDH Law and Ethics Exam Complete Practice Test

The most appropriate action for Joyce's therapist to take is to provide her with safety information. In situations where an individual is facing violence, ensuring their immediate safety is of primary importance. This involves informing Joyce about resources, strategies, and support systems that can help her navigate this dangerous situation, which may include creating a safety plan, identifying safe places to go, and connecting her with shelters or crisis intervention services.

While obtaining informed consent is crucial in many therapeutic contexts, it is not the immediate priority when someone is under threat of violence. Similarly, while support groups can be beneficial for long-term recovery and coping, they do not address the urgent need for safety. Referring John's son to a high-risk teen group may be constructive in a different context but does not directly aid Joyce in managing her immediate risk. Therefore, providing safety information is the most critical first step for the therapist to take in this scenario.