Can you confess a crime to a therapist?

Some people wonder if therapists have to report crimes, and the answer is a bit complex. They are legally required to tell the police or the potential victim if they believe a patient may hurt someone else. A psychologist is not required to report past crimes in most cases though.

Can you tell your therapist about illegal things you’ve done?

In the US, however, the answer is usually no. Due to confidentiality, a therapist may not generally disclose the contents of a therapy session with the police, even if the client has admitted to committing a crime.

What happens if you tell a therapist you committed a crime?

If, for example, a man confesses to his therapist that he recently beat his stepdaughter, the psychotherapist-patient privilege as to that confession may well fold. The therapist may have to report the admission to the authorities, and the patient’s incriminating statements may be admissible in court.

What shouldn’t you tell your therapist?

With that said, we’re outlining some common phrases that therapists tend to hear from their clients and why they might hinder your progress.

• “I feel like I’m talking too much.”
• “I’m the worst.
• “I’m sorry for my emotions.”
• “I always just talk about myself.”
• “I can’t believe I told you that!”
• “Therapy won’t work for me.”

Can a therapist name a victim of a crime?

As a therapist you have a duty to notify the authorities and/or the named victim that they are the intended victim of a planned criminal act. You may not name your patient, merely the fact that you do have such a patient, and that the patient has confided in you the intent to do x sort of harm to third party y.

Can a therapist report someone who confesses to a crime?

It can even include admissions of criminal liability: In several jurisdictions, a therapist cannot report someone who confesses to a crime. (United States v. Romo, 413 F.3d 1044 (9th Cir. 2005), United States v. Landor, 699 F. Supp. 2d 913 (E.D. Ky. 2009).)

Do therapists have to report dangerous statements?

Depending on the jurisdiction, the exception either allows or requires therapists to report statements by patients that indicate dangerousness. The law might, for instance, say that therapists must disclose statements when the patient presents a risk of serious harm to others and disclosure is necessary to prevent that harm.

Are there limits to therapist confidentiality in criminal cases?

Criminal defense attorneys believe everyone should know that while almost everything you say stays between you and your psychologist, there are some limits when it comes to therapist confidentiality in some crimes.