Legal violations of duty to act with suicidal client

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Reference no: EM133640715

Winston is an addictions' professional who has been seeing, Ray, a 45-year-old Caucasian male, for the past year. When Winston first saw Ray, Ray was hospitalized for inpatient therapy and has been sober since his discharge, ten months ago. Ray entered treatment after his wife left him. He says that he was married for 10 years and then his wife took their two young children out of state to her live with her parents two months ago. Ray reports that his wife left him because of his heavy drinking, his inability to maintain employment, and his inconsistent disciplining of the children. He reports that his wife has filed for divorce, but he is able to travel to see his children on a monthly basis. Several times during treatment in the past month, he has vocalized suicidal ideations to Winston but has never acted on his thoughts. While Ray is sadly discussing his upcoming divorce, he begins crying, and then states he needs to be alone, gets up, and leaves the session. Winston is taken by surprise and is not sure what to do. He allows Ray to leave the building in a distressed state. Winston thinks that he hears Ray saying "I'm done with all this," as he is leaving but Winston isn't sure. Ray walks out of Winston's office without saying goodbye to Winston's receptionist. He walks to the crosswalk immediately outside the office, and is seen entering the crosswalk as a car rapidly approaches. Ray is struck by the car and killed. His family is now suing Winston as they feel Winston did not adequately treat Ray; the family also feels that Ray was suicidal when he left the session. Winston allowed him to leave the session unattended. Winston's case notes reflect that Winston was unsure whether Ray was suicidal or not.

1. Identify and discuss any ethical and legal violations of the duty to act with a suicidal client in crisis.

2. Discuss what Winston is ethically required to report in the court proceedings in your state.

3. Discuss how a malpractice suit could influence Winston's license to practice.

4. Discuss what you would have done differently in Winston's situation.

5. Finally, briefly discuss how Winston's treatment might have been different if conducted over the internet. See NAADAC Principle VI. Would Principle VI-15 have impacted your ethical or legal responsibilities with Ray?

Reference no: EM133640715

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