California Law and Ethics Practice Exam

A psychotherapy client reveals that three years ago he murdered his wife. What is the therapist's legal obligation regarding this information?

1. Keep the information confidential

2. Report it to the authorities

3. Discuss it with a supervisor

4. Notify the victim's family

The correct answer is: Keep the information confidential

In the context of psychotherapy, confidentiality is a foundational principle that governs the therapist-client relationship. When a client discloses information during therapy, it must generally be kept confidential unless there are specific legal exceptions that require disclosure. In California, therapists are obligated to maintain confidentiality regarding client disclosures unless there is an imminent threat of harm to the client or to others, or in cases of abuse or neglect involving minors or vulnerable adults. In this scenario, while the admission of having committed murder is serious and raises ethical dilemmas, it is important to consider the circumstances under which confidentiality can be broken. Since the act occurred three years ago and there's no indication that it poses an immediate threat to the safety of others, the therapist's primary obligation is to keep the client's confession confidential. This not only aligns with the legal standards of confidentiality but also supports the therapeutic relationship, allowing clients to feel safe in sharing sensitive information. While it may seem appropriate for the therapist to report the crime, the legal obligation does not mandate reporting past crimes unless there is a current threat to someone's safety or if specific vulnerable populations are involved. Thus, the correct approach in this situation is to prioritize client confidentiality.