In most cases an individual will not be punished if they tell their Psychologist about a crime they have committed. There are several important things to remember when preparing to divulge criminal activity or thoughts to a medical professional. Below are a few concepts to consider.
Physician-Patient Privilege
Physician-Patient privilege is the legal terminology for confidentiality between a physician and their patient. This privilege will protect information provided during the course of treatment from being shared to authorities or in court. The first thing to remember when considering telling your Psychologist about a crime you committed is if there is a substantial physician-patient relationship. Simply because you are speaking to someone you know is a physician does not give confidentiality. If this physician is not serving the role of your medical provider at the time of your disclosure it very well may be admissible in court or the legal realm.
The privilege has been put into place so medical treatment can be administered properly. Therapy will not truly be effective if the medical professional is not aware of all that ails an individual. Patients would be cautious of revealing certain information if they felt they would be punished, thus making the treatment incorrect or inadequate.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality means information shared between a physician and their patient will be kept private. This is stated in the Hypocratic Oath taken when a physician is licensed. The Oath reads "Whatever, in connection with my professional service, or not in connection with it, I see or hear, in the life of men, which ought not to be spoken of abroad, I will not divulge, as reckoning that all such should be kept secret."
The Criminal Activity
Some things will outweigh the Physician-patient privilege, these include a duty to warn and a duty to protect. If a patient has expressed homicidal thoughts and threats toward a certain person or group, the Physician has a duty to protect and warn and this would trump the privilege. Also, if a patient reports child abuse, elder abuse or some type of dependent adult abuse, there is a duty to protect those who are unable to defend themselves. If a patient reports attempts at suicide or appears to be seiously in danger of harming themselves the Physician may alert others and have the patient committed to a hospital to prevent this. These are simply exceptions to the privilege rule.
If, you have serious questions regarding this topic you may want to consider contacting a qualified attorney, attorneys also have an Attorney-Client privilege.
