Which court decision requires therapists to breach confidentiality for public safety?

The Tarasoff decision is significant because it established the precedent that mental health professionals have a duty to warn and protect individuals who may be at risk of harm due to a client’s intentions. In this landmark case, the California Supreme Court ruled that therapists are required to breach confidentiality when they believe a patient poses a serious threat of violence to a specific individual or the public at large. This decision emphasizes the ethical obligation of therapists to engage in preventative measures, prioritizing public safety over patient confidentiality in instances where there is an imminent risk of harm. The ruling has profoundly influenced protocols within the mental health profession and has prompted many jurisdictions to adopt similar standards regarding duty to warn.