Forensic Psychologist Patient Behavior

Hello. I aspire to become a Forensic Psychologist by all means necessary. Presently, I'm watching an episode of Lockdown, a show that constantly
has me in awe. On this episode, an inmate describes his verbal assault on the prison psychiatrist.


He explained how he slammed his head on the table and warned that next time it won't be his head being slammed on the table. He continued by saying how he'd have people on the outside sexually assault her and kill her family.

I understand there is a code of ethics mental health professionals must follow but how do you deal with these kinds of threats? Also, say for instance, you give a verbal or maybe even a physical response to a threat. How is it handled? Would it be considered a form of self defense?