Danger to others (Tarasoff)

Question 1

What are signs therapists need to look for to report danger to others?

Answer 1

Signs can include the client expressing a clear plan, client alluding to a plan,
someone who knows the client sharing knowledge or concerns of a plan.

Question 2

What two things are triggered when a client communicates a serious threat of physical violence towards others?

Answer 2

If a client DOES communicates a “serious threat of physical violence against a
reasonably identifiable victim or victims” then two things are triggered: Duty to
Protect and Duty to Report.

Question 3

Depending on

the situation, duty to protect may involve:

Answer 3

Notifying intended victim and law enforcement of the threat.
• Involuntary or voluntary hospitalization
• Medication management
• Therapeutic interventions