Clinical considerations in treating participants in the federal witness protection program

Abstract

Treating clients who are participating in the Federal Witness Security Program (WITSEC) may be a rarity in a clinician's caseload. Yet when a practitioner does treat them, the clinical considerations are unique and require creative therapeutic techniques. Their premorbid character-ological structure as well as their previous life patterns and the need for maintaining secrecy greatly effect the therapeutic process. In addition, a plethora of family issues created by living with a totally new identity and societal concerns regarding these “relocated” families add unique facets to treating these cases. This paper highlights the history and features of the WITSEC program, characteristics of the individuals in the program, and factors affecting both the individuals and their “relocated” and “abandoned” families. A brief case history is included. Therapeutic clinical concerns are highlighted also.