What was established by the Tarasoff decision in therapy?

The Tarasoff decision established the duty of mental health professionals to warn third parties when a client poses a credible threat of harm. This landmark case arose from the tragic murder of Tatiana Tarasoff, who was killed by a former therapy client. The court found that the psychologist had a responsibility to inform potential victims or law enforcement when a client communicated an intent to cause harm to another individual. As a result, the ruling clarified that while confidentiality is a foundational aspect of the therapeutic relationship, it does not extend to situations where there is a clear and imminent danger to a third party. This duty prioritizes the safety of individuals potentially at risk over the obligation to maintain client confidentiality in certain critical situations.