What must a therapist do if they have reasonable suspicion of elder abuse?

When a therapist has reasonable suspicion of elder abuse, the correct course of action is to report the suspicion. This obligation stems from the legal and ethical responsibility that mental health professionals have to protect vulnerable populations, which include the elderly. Most states have laws that require mandatory reporting of suspected elder abuse to appropriate authorities, such as adult protective services.

Reporting ensures that the situation can be assessed by professionals trained to investigate and respond to such allegations, potentially safeguarding the elder from further harm. It also upholds the therapist's duty to promote the well-being and safety of their clients, which is central to ethical practice in marriage and family therapy. Addressing elder abuse is critical for ensuring that vulnerable individuals have access to protection and support.

While discussing concerns with the client might seem compassionate, it could inadvertently put the elder at greater risk if the abuse continues or if the perpetrator becomes aware of the conversation. Ignoring the concerns would violate the therapist's responsibilities, and documenting internally alone would not fulfill the legal obligation to report to the authorities.