Can a therapist be forced to report a patient who threatens someone?

A therapist may be forced to report information disclosed by the patient if a patient reveals their intent to harm someone else. However, this is not as simple as a patient saying simply they “would like to kill someone,” according to Jessica Nicolosi, a clinical psychologist in Rockland County, New York.

Are you experiencing Red Flag situations with your therapist/counselor?

If you are experiencing these red-flag situations with your therapist/counselor, don’t be afraid to speak up and look elsewhere. Voicing your concern and seeking better therapeutic help is a sign of health and boundaries — not resistance or an indication of your brokenness.

What happens in therapy stays in therapy?

What happens in therapy, stays in therapy ― unless a client is a danger to self or others,” explained Kisha Walwyn-Duquesnay, a licensed professional counselor supervisor at and owner of the Optimistic Counseling Practice in Houston, Texas.

When is confidentiality broken in a therapy session?

For example, in some states confidentiality is only broken if abuse is occurring within the family. Understanding these mandates in your state allows you to make informed decisions about your interactions with a therapist and not be caught off-guard by these laws. Consent forms are signed before therapy begins.

What to do when you’re stuck between therapy sessions?

The fix: When problems or roadblocks strike between sessions, reflect on what you’ve discussed in therapy, including suggested coping techniques, said Denver-based licensed psychotherapist Brittany Bouffard. Taking what you’ve learned for a spin can help you move past old patterns that you’re stuck in, and rebuild self-trust in the process.

What should I do if my child’s counselor is abusive?

Additionally, many states have laws that require mandated reporters (like your child’s counselor) to report the suspected abuse or neglect of other vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and the disabled. You can find your state’s mandated reporting laws here.

When do you discuss hospitalization with a child therapist?

If there are concerns about whether or not the child can still stay safe, we discuss hospitalization,” said Ashley Menke, owner of Allied Counseling in Saint Louis, Missouri. A therapist may be forced to report information disclosed by the patient if a patient reveals their intent to harm someone else.

When should a therapist report a situation to protective services?

Cinéas said a therapist may have to step in and report a situation when vulnerable people are threatened, which could include children, elderly individuals and those living with a disability. “A clear case of abuse of any of the above should be reported to protective services,” she said.