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Parents cite their son's psychologist in papers filed with federal court
By Karen AbbottDenver Rocky Mountain News Staff Writer
Eric Harris' parents may blame their son's psychologist in lawsuits filed over the Columbine shootings. The Harrises claim in federal court paperwork that Harris' psychologist, Kevin Albert, has refused to give them the records of his treatment of their son. It was the first time Harris' therapist has been identified. Columbine High School senior Harris and classmate Dylan Klebold killed 13 people and wounded more than 20 others before taking their own lives at the suburban Jefferson County school on April 20, 1999. Harris' pyschological treatment has not been disclosed. He was prescribed Luvox, an anti-depressant used to treat obsessive compulsive disorder and depression. Albert of Parker did not return telephone calls Monday. The Harris and Klebold parents are defendants in lawsuits filed over the incident by the families of seven slain students, one slain teacher and eight wounded students. Plaintiffs have accused the parents of failing to supervise their sons' activities before the attack, the deadliest school shooting in the nation's history. A judge earlier had given defendants in the cases until Oct. 2 to name other people not already named in the lawsuits who they believe might bear some or all of the blame. Wayne and Katherine Harris have filed legal paperwork in federal court asking for more time to decide whether to name any other parties. "Mr. and Mrs. Harris are particularly concerned about the mental health care provided to their son by his treating psychologist, Dr. Kevin Albert," the paperwork said. "However, despite repeated requests, Dr. Albert has refused to share with Mr. and Mrs. Harris the records of his treatment of their son. Mr. and Mrs. Harris would like to review these records prior to having to make a decision ... " it said. Albert, 47, has been licensed to practice in Colorado since 1991, according to state records. He is affiliated with the Colorado Family Center at 26 W. Dry Creek Circle in Littleton, according to records. Producers of anti-depressants Luvox, Zoloft and the more widely known Prozac have been sued by survivors of people killed by attackers taking those medications but the drugs' connection to violence is controversial in the psychiatric community. The Harrises' filing said they would like to wait until U.S. District Judge Lewis Babcock rules on several motions to dismiss the lawsuits, filed by various defendants. More than three dozen defendants have been sued so far. They include government agencies and individuals ranging from sheriff's deputies to teachers and friends of the two young gunmen. Contact Karen Abbott at (303) 892-5188 or abbottk@RockyMountainNews.com. September 19, 2000
Eric Harris' parents may blame their son's psychologist in lawsuits filed over the Columbine shootings.
The Harrises claim in federal court paperwork that Harris' psychologist, Kevin Albert, has refused to give them the records of his treatment of their son.
It was the first time Harris' therapist has been identified.
Columbine High School senior Harris and classmate Dylan Klebold killed 13 people and wounded more than 20 others before taking their own lives at the suburban Jefferson County school on April 20, 1999.
Harris' pyschological treatment has not been disclosed. He was prescribed Luvox, an anti-depressant used to treat obsessive compulsive disorder and depression.
Albert of Parker did not return telephone calls Monday.
The Harris and Klebold parents are defendants in lawsuits filed over the incident by the families of seven slain students, one slain teacher and eight wounded students.
Plaintiffs have accused the parents of failing to supervise their sons' activities before the attack, the deadliest school shooting in the nation's history.
A judge earlier had given defendants in the cases until Oct. 2 to name other people not already named in the lawsuits who they believe might bear some or all of the blame.
Wayne and Katherine Harris have filed legal paperwork in federal court asking for more time to decide whether to name any other parties.
"Mr. and Mrs. Harris are particularly concerned about the mental health care provided to their son by his treating psychologist, Dr. Kevin Albert," the paperwork said.
"However, despite repeated requests, Dr. Albert has refused to share with Mr. and Mrs. Harris the records of his treatment of their son. Mr. and Mrs. Harris would like to review these records prior to having to make a decision ... " it said.
Albert, 47, has been licensed to practice in Colorado since 1991, according to state records.
He is affiliated with the Colorado Family Center at 26 W. Dry Creek Circle in Littleton, according to records.
Producers of anti-depressants Luvox, Zoloft and the more widely known Prozac have been sued by survivors of people killed by attackers taking those medications but the drugs' connection to violence is controversial in the psychiatric community.
The Harrises' filing said they would like to wait until U.S. District Judge Lewis Babcock rules on several motions to dismiss the lawsuits, filed by various defendants.
More than three dozen defendants have been sued so far. They include government agencies and individuals ranging from sheriff's deputies to teachers and friends of the two young gunmen.
Contact Karen Abbott at (303) 892-5188 or abbottk@RockyMountainNews.com.
September 19, 2000
