Tarasoff and Beyond: Legal and Clinical Considerations in the Treatment of Life-Endangering Patients

By: Leon Vandecreek and Samuel Knapp

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Synopsis: This guide discusses the Tarasoff decision and subsequent related court decisions and their legal and clinical implications. This guide focuses primarily on the management of homicidal patients. In addition, the authors extend their discussion to the management of suicidal patients and child-abusing parents. To a lesser extent, other topics are discussed, including legal responsibility in dealing with AIDS parents, incompetent drivers, patent disclosures of past crimes, and therapist liability for wrongful civil commitments. Although not intended as a comprehensive treatment manual, this guide discusses clinical interventions and considerations that will minimize liability risks and, at the same time, provide quality treatment for patients.