Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) Practice Exam

According to the Tarasoff decision, a therapist must warn:

1. The intended victim and the appropriate public health intervention agency

2. The appropriate public health intervention agency

3. The intended victim and the police

4. The police and the client's closest immediate family member

The correct answer is: The intended victim and the police

The Tarasoff decision, originating from a legal case in California, established the duty of care that mental health professionals owe to potential victims when they become aware of a credible threat against someone. In this context, therapists are required to take action when a client expresses an intent to harm another individual. The correct response indicates that a therapist must warn the intended victim and the police. This is rooted in the obligation to protect identifiable individuals from serious harm. By notifying both the intended victim and law enforcement, the therapist can ensure that adequate protective measures can be taken to prevent harm from occurring. Notifying the police allows authorities to intervene promptly, potentially preventing the act of violence. While informing public health intervention agencies or family members may have their own importance in different contexts, the legal precedent set by Tarasoff specifically emphasizes the necessity of warning the intended victim and law enforcement as a direct means of preventing harm. This approach underscores the critical role of therapists in balancing client confidentiality with the duty to protect others from potential threats.