CLEE Crisis Intervention and Suicidality

Question 1

Under California law, a therapist may breach confidentiality without client consent when:

Accepted Answer

There is a serious and imminent threat of harm to an identifiable third party

Answer

The client misses multiple appointments without explanation

Answer

The client discloses past criminal activity

Answer

The therapist believes the client is withholding information

Question 2

The 'duty to protect' established in Tarasoff v. Regents of the University of California requires therapists to:

Accepted Answer

Warn or protect identifiable potential victims when a client poses a serious threat

Answer

Report all violent thoughts to law enforcement automatically

Answer

Immediately hospitalize any client who expresses anger toward another person

Answer

Consult with a supervisor whenever a client discusses interpersonal conflict

Question 3

California Welfare and Institutions Code Section 5150 authorizes an involuntary 72-hour psychiatric hold when a person:

Accepted Answer

Is a danger to themselves, others, or is gravely disabled due to a mental disorder

Answer

Has a history of mental illness and voluntarily stops taking medication

Answer

Requests hospitalization voluntarily but then changes their mind

Answer

Has been diagnosed with a serious mental illness by two independent physicians

Question 4

When conducting a suicide risk assessment, which of the following is considered a static (historical) risk factor?

Accepted Answer

Previous suicide attempts

Answer

Current substance intoxication

Answer

A specific plan with available means

Answer

Recent significant loss or bereavement

Question 5

A therapist learns a client has a specific, credible plan to harm a neighbor. Under the Tarasoff duty, the therapist should FIRST:

Accepted Answer

Conduct a thorough clinical assessment to evaluate seriousness and imminence of the threat

Answer

Immediately call 911 without further clinical assessment

Answer

Terminate treatment immediately to avoid liability

Answer

Contact the client's family members to warn them

Question 6

Which action does NOT fulfill a therapist's 'duty to protect' obligation under California law?

Accepted Answer

Terminating the therapeutic relationship without any follow-up or protective action

Answer

Warning the potential victim directly

Answer

Notifying local law enforcement of the threat

Answer

Seeking voluntary or involuntary hospitalization for the client

Question 7

Under California law, when is a therapist legally REQUIRED (not merely permitted) to break confidentiality for a suicidal client?

Accepted Answer

There is no absolute legal requirement—breaching confidentiality for suicidality is a matter of clinical judgment

Answer

Whenever the client expresses any level of suicidal ideation

Answer

When the client has a specific plan, means, and a stated timeline

Answer

When the client's family requests disclosure of the client's risk level