Final answer:
A therapist is generally not mandated to report past abuse disclosed by a client who is now over 18, as mandatory reporting laws typically concern current or ongoing abuse. It ultimately depends on the jurisdiction, as legal and ethical obligations around reporting can vary from place to place.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a client is over 18 and discloses past abuse as a child, the requirement for a therapist to report it is a complex subject. Generally, mandatory reporting laws are related to ongoing or current abuse, particularly when the victim is still a minor. However, if an adult client reports past abuse during childhood, the therapist is not typically mandated to report this retroactively, as the client is no longer a minor. This leads us to option 2) No, a therapist is not mandated to report past abuse disclosed by a client who is now an adult. However, 3) It depends on the jurisdiction, as variations in state laws or professional ethical codes can influence reporting duties. Different jurisdictions may have specific requirements or exceptions related to reporting historical abuse. Therapists are ethically bound to maintain confidentiality unless reporting is compelled by law or there is imminent risk to the client or others. Factors such as the severity of the abuse do not typically dictate the reporting obligation for therapy professionals when the victim is now an adult.