As a clinical psychologist, you are committed to protecting the privacy of your patients. One afternoon a patient tells you that her husband, who has been abusing her physically and mentally for years, has threatened to kill her, and she believes he would, you try to convince her to leave him, but she tells you that she has decided to kill him. She is certain that he would find her where ever she went and feels that she will be safe only when he is dead.
What would you do? How would you make this important decision?
2007-08-03 15:16:08 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Psychology
as a clinical psychologist you would know that you have an obligation to report any homicidal or suicidal behavior, or behavior which is child abuse or neglect...it is a no brainer...you report it to the police
2007-08-03 15:19:58 · answer #1 · answered by Daisy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would follow the laws that govern me as a Doctor. This would have to immediately be turned over to the proper authorities because at that point, I would realize how dangerous the situation is and how, no matter what I say to my patient, her mind is made up. AND, if she would happen to follow through, I could be help liable for her husband's death. Not a good thing either way you look at it.
2007-08-03 23:47:11 · answer #2 · answered by Bekah M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i am a psychologist. there is NO CHOICE here in what to do. as psychologists we are MANDATED reporters of danger to others. you must call the police & also inform the 3rd party (in this case the husband) of her threats & also inform the police.
when confidentiality is discussed at the beginning of treatment, this is addressed. that is the LAW. if you do not report, as a psychologist, you can/will be held liable.
confidentiality is NOT absolute.
2007-08-03 22:22:50 · answer #3 · answered by cat 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As far as privacy goes if the client is in danger then you have to report it to the authorities and police. If you are in danger of hurting yourself or others you could be hospitalized for irrational thinking.
2007-08-03 22:50:27 · answer #4 · answered by All Saints Rocks 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think psychologists can report things like that to law enforcement. If they believe someone is truly in danger...
2007-08-03 22:45:57 · answer #5 · answered by lady j 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends. Has she been a patient for a period of time, or has she just started seeing you. If for a time, then advise her to go to the police. If she is a new patient, she may be using you to try and get away with murder.
2007-08-03 22:20:57 · answer #6 · answered by tellthetruthabc 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
you are obligated by law in this situation to report it to the authorities...this is the same for all states in regards to homicidal/suicidal or child abuse cases
2007-08-03 22:19:37 · answer #7 · answered by bella36 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The authorities have to be told and you are then guided by them as to proper in law procedure.~~
2007-08-03 22:25:14 · answer #8 · answered by burning brightly 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell the police that you are worried about both of them and get him put away in jail.
2007-08-03 22:24:14 · answer #9 · answered by violingirl7777 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dude, your'e fishing.
2007-08-03 22:24:54 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋