Which of the following statements regarding patient counseling is true?

The statement that pharmacists do not have to counsel a patient if they feel the counseling would harm the patient is grounded in professional judgment and ethical considerations. In situations where a pharmacist believes that providing certain information would lead to or exacerbate a patient's distress, they have the discretion to withhold such counseling, prioritizing patient safety and well-being. This principle is rooted in the understanding that patient care must be approached holistically and that communication should always be in the best interest of the patient.

The other statements present misunderstandings regarding the roles and responsibilities within pharmacy. For instance, technicians are generally not permitted to counsel patients; this is a function reserved for licensed pharmacists, who are trained to provide detailed information about medications. Additionally, while patient leaflets can supplement patient counseling, they are not a complete substitute; face-to-face interaction allows for clarification, addressing specific patient concerns, and ensuring the patient understands their medication regimen, which a printed leaflet cannot achieve.

Thus, the correct statement emphasizes the pharmacist's responsibility to exercise discretion based on the patient's emotional and psychological needs during counseling.