In the Tarasoff v. Regents of the University of California case, what was established regarding therapists' responsibilities?

In the case of Tarasoff v. Regents of the University of California, the court established that therapists have a duty to protect individuals from foreseeable harm, which may include the obligation to inform potential victims if a client poses a threat to their safety. This landmark ruling underscored that the responsibility to prevent harm to third parties can outweigh the therapist's obligation to maintain confidentiality. Consequently, therapists are ethically and legally required to take reasonable steps to prevent harm, which could include notifying law enforcement or the intended victim.

This decision fundamentally altered the landscape of mental health practice by clearly delineating that, while confidentiality is important, it is not absolute when there is a clear and imminent risk to the safety of others.