Alabama § 34-17A-23 - Therapists - Duties and Liability.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 34-17A-23 — Therapists - Duties and Liability., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 34-17A-23. Therapists - Duties and Liability.
(a) There shall be no monetary liability on the part of, and no cause of action shall arise against, any person who is a licensed marriage and family therapist in failing to predict and warn of and protect from a patient’s violent behavior except where the patient has communicated to the marriage and family therapist a serious threat of physical violence against a reasonably identifiable victim or victims.
(b) The duty to warn of or to take reasonable precautions to provide protection from violent behavior arises only under the limited circumstance specified in subsection (a). The duty shall be discharged by the marriage and family therapist if reasonable efforts are made to communicate the threat to the victim or victims and to a law enforcement agency.
(c) No monetary liability and no cause of action may arise under this chapter against any person who is a licensed marriage and family therapist under this chapter for confidences disclosed to third parties in an effort to discharge duty arising pursuant to subsection (a) according to subsection (b).
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 34-17A-23
What does Code of Alabama § 34-17A-23 cover?
Section 34-17A-23 ("Therapists - Duties and Liability.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alabama § 34-17A-23?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 34-17A-23" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alabama law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.
How does Alabama § 34-17A-23 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.