60 Second Symposium | TIME

Harriet Barovick, Daniel S. Levy, Lina Lofaro, Michele Orecklin, David Spitz, Flora Tartakovsky and Chris Taylor

March 15, 1999 12:00 AM EST

FAMILY ISSUES Both the new movie Analyze This and the hit HBO show The Sopranos feature a stressed-out mobster seeking help from a therapist. A few years back, Grosse Pointe Blank touched on the same theme. We asked some high-profile shrinks if they would take on a patient who’s in the “family.”

Dr. Joyce Brothers, psychologist and advice columnist

I don’t think I would, because of the problem of confidentiality. A patient is given confidentiality, but there are exceptions. If there is a crime planned…there’s an obligation to tell the authorities. Under these circumstances, I don’t think I could guarantee confidentiality and be helpful.

Dr. Rodrigo Munoz, president of the American Psychiatric Association

Yes, of course. I won’t reject any person who has a bona fide psychiatric disorder. I would not help him be a better mobster. My concern would be about his symptoms and the consequences of his symptoms for him and his family and the community.

Dr. Robert R. Butterworth, former resident psychologist of the Jerry Springer Show

The problem with me is…that it’s not difficult to find out where I live. I’d be nervous. If somebody comes to me and they say they’ve killed somebody, legally I don’t have to do anything. If this guy comes in and says he wants to kill other people, I have to warn that other person.

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