Marlene F. v. Affiliated Psychiatric Medical Clinic, Inc.

Opinion

ARGUELLES, J.*

Can the mother of a minor child state a claim for the negligent infliction of emotional distress against the psychotherapist who, consulted to treat both mother and son, sexually molested the boy? As, in the circumstances of this case, the therapist’s conduct breached a duty of care owed her as well as her child, we hold she can.

Facts 1

In the summer of 1980, the mothers of minor children Robert F., Phillip G., and Eric R. brought their sons to the Affiliated Psychiatric Medical Clinic, Inc., to obtain counseling for family emotional problems. The clinic assigned all three…