Professional
Formal
IVT
Tarasoff duty
Pronunciation: TAR-ə-sof
Mental health professional's legal obligation to warn or protect identifiable victims of patient threats.
Full Definition
A legal duty established in Tarasoff v. Regents of University of California (1976) requiring mental health professionals to take reasonable steps to protect identifiable third parties when a patient poses a serious threat of violence. This duty typically involves warning the intended victim, notifying law enforcement, or taking other protective measures. The scope and requirements of Tarasoff duties vary by jurisdiction and have significant implications for confidentiality in therapeutic relationships.
Usage
Usage note: Named after the landmark California Supreme Court case.
In Context
- "The therapist fulfilled their Tarasoff duty by contacting both police and the threatened individual." — Ethics consultation
- "Tarasoff duty requirements vary significantly across state jurisdictions." — Legal training material
Also known as
duty to warn
duty to protect
Contrasted with
therapeutic privilege
confidentiality
Don't confuse with
mandatory reporting
duty to treat