California Law and Ethics Practice Exam

What is one of the key responsibilities of a therapist when a patient threatens violence?

1. To ignore threats unless they are immediate

2. To report the threat to the authorities regardless of context

3. To evaluate the credibility of the threat

4. To inform the patient’s family automatically

The correct answer is: To evaluate the credibility of the threat

One of the key responsibilities of a therapist when a patient threatens violence is to evaluate the credibility of the threat. This involves assessing how serious and imminent the threat is and determining the context in which it was made. A therapist must consider factors such as the client’s mental state, their history, and any specific details surrounding the threat. This careful evaluation helps in identifying whether the threat is likely to be acted upon, which is critical in determining the appropriate course of action. In cases where a threat is deemed credible, the therapist may then have a duty to take further steps, such as notifying law enforcement or other relevant authorities, ensuring the safety of potential victims, or even discussing the situation with the patient to address the underlying issues contributing to the violent thoughts. Thus, evaluating the threat helps ensure that the therapist responds effectively and responsibly to potentially dangerous situations.