What legal obligation do psychologists have when a client poses a serious threat to themselves or others?

When a psychologist determines that a client poses a serious threat to themselves or others, they have a legal and ethical obligation to breach confidentiality in order to warn appropriate parties. This obligation is supported by the principle of duty to warn, which is part of established legal standards in many jurisdictions, including Massachusetts.

The duty to warn may require psychologists to take proactive measures, such as notifying potential victims or law enforcement, to prevent harm. This is rooted in the understanding that protecting individuals from imminent danger takes precedence over maintaining confidentiality, particularly when there is a clear and present risk of harm.

In various legal cases, such as Tarasoff v. Regents of the University of California, courts have recognized that mental health professionals may need to disclose confidential information if failure to do so would likely result in bodily harm. This essential ethical principle emphasizes the responsibility psychologists have towards both their clients and the wider community when faced with situations involving serious threats.