How far does patient client privilege go?

Question

I watch a lot tv lawyer/cop shows and they are always bringing this up. What if a pyschologist has some patient telling of the serial torture murder escapades he goes on every now and then. Won't that Dr. call the cops on the monster?

Answer 1

There's a distinction between duty to report imminent violence and the doctor-patient privilege (which is seldom recognized).

Answer 2

IN the case of abuse imminent threat or admission of an act a doctor is bound to report.

The basic tenant of the Hippocratic oath is to do no harm, that does not just extend to the individual patient but all those effected by the patient.

The only people that enjoy a blanketed privilege with regards to information are priests. They are under no obligation to report a confession.

Answer 3

Patient-client priviledge does not extend to murder, or violent confessions. A therapist that suspects a patient may be a danger to his or herself or to others is generally bound to report this to authorities. It is the same for confessions of violent acts. These are usually reported and patients are informed that such information is not priviledged.

Answer 4

Only until a life is threatened