Although therapists are bound to secrecy about past crimes, there is a fine line as to whether or not therapists must keep present or future crime secret. If you are actively engaged in crime or plan to commit a crime that you disclose to your therapist or counselor, they
may need to report that to the police
.
Can I tell my therapist if I did something illegal?
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.
Do therapists have to report illegal activity?
Although therapists are bound to secrecy about past crimes, there is a fine line as to whether or not therapists must keep present or future crime secret. If you are actively engaged in crime or plan to commit a crime that you disclose to your therapist or counselor,
they may need to report that to the police
.
When can therapists tell police?
Where this is the case, the therapist has the right to reveal what the patient told him/her—even if there is no criminal case pending. In fact, under California law therapists are
required to warn the intended victim or police if they reasonably believe that their patient is about to harm someone else
.
Can a therapist tell the police if you killed someone?
If you are actively engaged in crime or plan to commit a crime that you disclose to your therapist or counselor, they
may need to report that to the police
. … If you admit to your therapist that you want to kill someone or do serious violence to them, your therapist may need to disclose that information.
What should I not tell my therapist?
- “I feel like I'm talking too much.” Remember, this hour or two hours of time with your therapist is your time and your space. …
- “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 I tell my therapist anything?
That is, your therapist might consult with a supervisor or colleague about how best to help a person in your situation, but he or
she should never disclose anything that would reveal your identity
. … When you feel like you can trust your therapist, talk about your concerns about revealing this secret.
Do therapists keep everything confidential?
In almost every instance, therapy is absolutely confidential.
You therapist is required to maintain confidentiality about everything said in sessions between the
two of you, just like a doctor is required to keep your records private.
Can therapists break confidentiality?
Licensed mental health professionals can break confidentiality in some circumstances. … Most therapists are happy to go
over any confidentiality
concerns before starting therapy. A therapist may also be required to break client confidentiality if they believe a child or disabled person is being abused.
Can you tell a therapist if you killed someone?
If a client tells their therapist they committed a crime in the past, whether it is murder, bank robbery, or kidnapping,
we can't violate confidentiality
unless there is a person at imminent risk, right now. … Confidentiality in the therapy setting is the main reason why therapy works.
Do therapists fall in love with clients?
Of the 585 psychologists who responded, 87% (95% of the men and 76% of the women)
reported having been sexually attracted to their clients
, at least on occasion. Sixty-three percent felt guilty, anxious or confused about the attraction, and about half of the respondents received no guidance or training on this issue.
Do therapists tell parents?
“
The therapist is not obligated to tell your parents
, but they are mandated by law to report any suspected sexual abuse. Since the law specifically refers to ‘suspected,' it is not up to the therapist to determine whether the abuse actually occurred. … Your parents are there to help!
Do therapists give up on clients?
It makes sense, then, that patients who don't feel felt might cut things off. The reverse, however, is also true:
Sometimes therapists break up with their patients
. You may not consider this when you first step into a therapist's office, but our goal is to stop seeing you.
Why some therapists are bad?
Some signs of a bad therapist are easy to spot. If your therapist insults or shames you, it's time to find someone new.
Others are more difficult
. The therapist might encourage you to blame others or become overly defensive about a criticism.
What are the signs that your therapist is developing feelings for you?
- They are extremely critical of you.
- They sit too close to you for your comfort.
- They express intense feelings about you, your problems, and your choices.
- They take on a parental role with you.
- They want to meet outside of therapy.
