Assessing for Level of Threat: Marcus

Marcus: I hate my supervisor at work. My life would be better if that jerk was dead.

Counselor: You’re so angry at your supervisor that you wish he was dead. Have you had thoughts about harming him?

Marcus: Sure, I think about killing him.

Counselor: Have you come up with a plan to kill him?

Marcus: A plan? I mean I’ve got a 45 at home but no, not a plan exactly.

Counselor: Are there times when you feel you might act on these thoughts?

Marcus: Ha, whenever I’m drunk.

Discussion Questions

1. What level of threat is indicated so far?

2. What other information does the counselor need to assess the threat level?

3. If the counselor determines the supervisor is in danger, what steps should the counselor take?