Explanation

Confidentiality in mental health treatment generally covers disclosures of criminal behavior. The exceptions to confidentiality — mandated reporting and duty to protect — are specific in their scope. Mandated reporting applies to suspected abuse or neglect of vulnerable populations (children, elderly, dependent adults), not to general crimes. The duty to protect applies to credible threats of serious harm toward identifiable individuals, not to property crimes or non-violent offenses. When a patient discloses criminal behavior like shoplifting, the appropriate response is therapeutic: exploring the behavior's relationship to the psychiatric condition, assessing function and motivation, and incorporating it into the treatment plan.

Key Takeaway

Confidentiality covers most disclosures of criminal behavior in treatment. Mandated reporting applies to child/elder/dependent adult abuse, not to general crimes disclosed in therapy.