Question

In the case of Tarasoff v. Regents, what action should be taken when a client poses a threat of violence to a specific victim?

A) Warn both the intended victim and the police
B) Inform the client's family
C) Document the threat for future reference
D) Refer the client to another therapist

Answer 1

In the case of Tarasoff v. Regents, mental health professionals should warn both the intended victim and the police when a client poses a threat of violence to a specific victim.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the case of Tarasoff v. Regents, the action that should be taken when a client poses a threat of violence to a specific victim is to warn both the intended victim and the police. This landmark case established that mental health professionals have a duty to protect and warn potential victims of harm. Informing the client's family may also be necessary, but the primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of the potential victim and involve law enforcement if necessary.

In addition to warning both the victim and the police, mental health professionals should also document the threat for future reference. This serves as evidence of the potential danger and can be helpful in legal proceedings or if further actions need to be taken. Referring the client to another therapist may not be sufficient if there is an immediate threat to the specific victim.