Threat to an Ex-Partner
Dr. Marcus Bell, a Missouri-licensed psychologist, evaluates 32-year-old Darrell after a second DWI. Darrell has alcohol use disorder, lost his job last month, and reports that his ex-girlfriend “ruined my life.” He says he bought a handgun and that “she’ll get what’s coming” next Tuesday when she picks up their 6-year-old. He gives her name and the address where the exchange occurs. Darrell refuses to sign any release and says, “You can’t tell anyone.” He denies suicidal ideation but has a loaded gun in his truck. Bell has no prior relationship with the ex-girlfriend. The county crisis center has one bed and says it can evaluate Darrell only if he comes voluntarily or is detained by police.
1. Does Missouri law require Dr. Bell to warn or protect the ex-girlfriend? Explain.
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Missouri does not have a Tarasoff-style statute that expressly commands every psychologist to warn an identifiable victim. That does not mean Bell may do nothing. The psychologist-client privilege is not absolute, and the board’s rules and the standard of care allow disclosure when there is a serious and imminent threat to an identifiable person. Bell should assess the threat-specific victim, specific date, firearm, intent, planning-use the least intrusive effective intervention, and document. Relying on “no duty” while a child and ex-partner are at risk would be clinically and legally indefensible.
2. What protective actions should Bell take, and what should he document?
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Bell should first assess imminent risk and try to arrange a voluntary emergency evaluation. If Darrell refuses and meets criteria, Bell should initiate an involuntary detention through police and crisis services. Because the threat is specific and imminent, Bell may warn the ex-girlfriend and notify law enforcement, disclosing only the information needed to protect her. He should document the threat in Darrell’s words, the firearm and date, the risk assessment, consultations, actions taken, and why less intrusive steps were insufficient. He should not disclose unrelated therapy content. Follow-up and a safety plan are also needed.
3. Darrell leaves the office before Bell can act. What now?
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Bell should treat this as an emergency. He should call 911 or the local crisis line, give the ex-girlfriend’s name and the exchange address, and request a welfare check. He may warn the ex-girlfriend directly if police cannot respond in time. He should document the timing of Darrell’s departure, the calls, and the information shared. Bell should not chase Darrell or put himself at risk. Afterward, he should consult with the board or an attorney and review his emergency protocol. The child’s safety is the priority.