4. Not everything you tell me is strictly confidential. ... Confidentiality with a therapist isn't absolute. If you talk about illegal activities, child, domestic or elder abuse or neglect, or wanting to harm yourself or others, the therapist may be obligated by law (in the U.S.) to report you to the police.Jan 24, 2015
Can you tell your therapist you committed a crime?
Many states have statutes requiring healthcare providers, including mental health professionals, to report any suspected abuse of children, elders, and dependent adults. So, in most cases, therapists who hear admissions of such abuse from patients not only can report their patients' statements—they must.
What can I do if my therapist breaks confidentiality?
If this happens to you — if you are certain that your therapist has violated your confidentiality in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable and does not have to do with your treatment, you can report him or her to the state licensing board for psychology.Mar 19, 2018
When can confidentiality be broken?
When to Break Confidentiality If the client may be an immediate danger to themself or another. If the client is endangering another who cannot protect themself, as in the case of a child, a person with a disability, or elder abuse. When required to obtain payment for services. As required by state or federal laws.
What are the four exceptions to confidentiality in therapy?
- The client is an imminent and violent threat towards themselves or others.
- There is a billing situation which requires a condoned disclosure.
- Sharing information is necessary to facilitate client care across multiple providers.
Can a therapist tell the police if you did something illegal?
In the US we have laws around doctor patient confidentiality. This would mean you can tell your therapist anything and they won't report it to the police as long as you are not a threat to yourself or others. In the US you would have nothing to fear.
Can I tell my therapist about a crime?
The therapist's required course of action can depend on the circumstances, and can involve notifying the potential victim, the police, or both. (United States v. ... State law can, however, allow the therapist to warn but prevent him or her from testifying at any eventual trial.
Can you tell therapist about past crimes?
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 should you not tell your therapist?
- “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.”
Is there anything you shouldn't tell your therapist?
Not everything you tell me is strictly confidential. Confidentiality with a therapist isn't absolute. If you talk about illegal activities, child, domestic or elder abuse or neglect, or wanting to harm yourself or others, the therapist may be obligated by law (in the U.S.) to report you to the police.Jan 24, 2015