Confidentiality

[DrFaroohk]

So just curious how much can you tell a doctor or counselor before they're required to tell the cops or something? I kinda want to see a doc but I'm afraid I might say the wrong thing and then bam i'm in jail.

[BroSCFischer]

A doctor is required to report any instances where they suspect child abuse or evidence that a crime has been committed (bullet wounds specifically. After that I don't really know, however, I do believe that anything you tell a physician or psychiatrist/psychologist falls under doctor patient confidentiality.

However, the best person to ask is a doctor. Just ask them what, if anything, they are required to report.

However, you may be best off talking to the police if you have committed a crime.

SC

[Redbeard]

They are required by law to report any illegal activities. Not covered by doctor/patient confidentiality

[trailerparkmedic]

If you state that you are currently suicidal or want to kill someone, then the doctor (etc) may take action to get you involuntarily committed to a psychiatric hospital. They'd try to convince you to check yourself in somewhere first. If you're seeing someone for therapy, they should tell you at the beginning of your first session what they cannot legally keep confidential (suicidal/homicidal intent generally, probably varies by state).

Health care providers are also (at least in my state) required to report suspected elder abuse. Domestic violence is not required to be reported.