Do counselors have an obligation to report past criminal involvement by a client?

In the context of confidentiality and ethical obligations, counselors generally do not have an obligation to report a client’s past criminal involvement unless there are specific circumstances that warrant reporting, such as current investigations or imminent threats.

The rationale behind this practice is rooted in the principles of confidentiality and trust that are foundational to the therapeutic relationship. Clients must feel secure that their disclosures will remain private in order to open up about sensitive issues, which often includes past criminal behavior that does not pose a current risk. Such information is seen as part of the client’s history and therapeutic process, rather than a matter for legal reporting unless it involves ongoing legal issues or threats to safety.

In contrast, under certain circumstances — such as when a crime is currently being investigated or if there is an active threat present — counselors might have legal or ethical obligations to report. Thus, the position that a counselor has no obligation to disclose information about past crimes aligns with the overall commitment to preserving client confidentiality in the absence of immediate legal or ethical considerations.