Dr. Klein is in charge of the mental health department of a state correctional facility. Even though his work can sometimes be tedious, he finds it to be very rewarding and fulfilling. As the day begins to come to a close, he notices that he has one more inmate on his list who has yet to be seen. The inmate’s name is Michael White.
Dr. Klein calls for inmate Michael White to come into his office. As inmate White enters, Dr. Klein recognizes him immediately. This is an inmate who has problems opening up. Dr. Klein has dealt with him in the past and believes this inmate has trouble trusting the system.
As inmate White takes a seat, Dr. Klein becomes determined to get this inmate to trust him. For the first few minutes, the appointment goes as usual. Dr. Klein does all of the talking and inmate White sits in silence. Beginning to get frustrated, Dr. Klein tells inmate White that if he continues to sit in silence he will discontinue the sessions.
Inmate White sits up straight, looks at Dr. Klein, and states, “What is it that you want to know?”
Dr. Klein responds, “I just want to know how you feel?”
Inmate White is quiet for a second and then replies, “If I tell you how I feel, you would be writing charges.”
Dr. Klein reminds inmate White that you can’t get charges for how you feel.
“Okay,” inmate White says, “Sometimes I truly can’t stand this place. I find myself pacing back and forth wanting to do something stupid. I mean, sometimes I feel just like hitting someone.”
Dr. Klein takes a moment to take that in and replies, “Well, who do you feel like hitting?”
Inmate White remains silent. Dr. Klein asks again, “Come on, who is it that you want to hit?”
Inmate White thinks for a moment and says, “Even though I remain calm, I feel like hitting Officer Johnson. He can get on my nerves so much. It’s just a feeling Doc, but that Officer is getting on my nerves.”
Now here’s the question. Dr. Klein is in a bit of a dilemma. Should he report what inmate White said to custody (violate confidentiality) and should custody charge inmate White with a threat? Some may be quick to say yes. Some may be quick to say no. But you be the judge.