Law & Ethics: Working With Suicidal Clients

A. In the case, Bellah v. Greenson, the Court held that Dr. Greenson had a duty to exercise reasonable care in his treatment of his patient and that he was expected to take “appropriate preventive measures” concerning her risk of suicide.

B. In the case, Bellah v. Greenson, the court held that the Tarasoff case creates a “duty to warn” for a therapist who has a suicidal patient.

C. Only (A) is true

D. Both (A) and (B) are true.

When a therapist is sued for negligence, the plaintiff must prove that the therapist breached his or her duty of care to the patient by failing to meet the applicable Standard of Care.

When a therapist is sued for negligence, it is not necessary for the plaintiff to prove that the alleged harm to the patient was foreseeable to the therapist.

Only (A) is false.

Only (B) is false.

The Standard of Care is based upon the reasonable degree of skill, knowledge and care that would ordinarily be exercised by other therapists, when practicing under similar circumstances.

In a trial, the Standard of Care is commonly established by the opinion of an expert.

Only (A) is true.

Both (A) and (B) are true.

Previous suicide attempts by an individual are associated with an increased risk of suicide.

A person’s experience of hopelessness is a substantial risk factor for suicide.

Only (A) is true

Both (A) and (B) are true.

Under California law, a provider of health care may disclose confidential information to providers of health care, health care service plans, contractors, or other health care professionals or facilities for purposes of diagnosis or treatment of the patient.

Under California law, a health care provider is never permitted to disclose confidential information to another health care professional without written consent from his or her patient.

Only (B) is false.

Only (A) is false.