Can you tell therapist you did something illegal?

Meaning, a therapist is permitted (but not required) to break confidentiality if he or she believes someone is in imminent harm from a client/patient. Aside from these exemptions anything you tell your therapist, including illegal drug use (a common question), is strictly confidential.

When can a therapist violate confidentiality?

EXCEPTIONS TO CONFIDENTIALITY RULES Licensed mental health professionals can break confidentiality in some circumstances. One of the most common scenarios is when a client is a threat to himself/herself or others, in which case a therapist must notify the person in danger or notify someone who can keep the client safe.

Can you tell your therapist you killed someone?

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 a therapist breaks confidentiality?

For licensed mental health professionals, confidentiality is protected by state laws and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Therapists who break confidentiality can get in trouble with state licensing boards. They can also be sued by their clients in some cases.

Can you sue a therapist for breaking confidentiality?

What is confidential in therapy?

Confidentiality is a legal construct which prevents the disclosure of the events of therapy. Therapist confidentiality gives the client the assurance they can share whatever they want with you. Nonetheless, there are a number of critical limits of confidentiality in counseling.

Do therapists have to disclose information to clients?

Therapists are required by law to disclose information to protect a client or a specific individual identified by the client from “serious and foreseeable harm.” That can include specific threats, disclosure of child abuse where a child is still in danger, or concerns about elder abuse.

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.

Do therapists have to report cases of abuse and neglect?

Additionally, therapists are also required to report cases of ongoing child abuse or neglect. In these cases, a variety of public servants may be brought into the fold, including law enforcement or child protective services.