Confidentiality and psychiatrist...?!
Question: Confidentiality and psychiatrist!.!.!.!?
I know a psychiatrist is supposed to keep everything you tell them confidential, but what are the exceptions!? And what age constitutes a patient as a "minor"!?
Any links to state laws would be very helpful!Www@Answer-Health@Com
Any links to state laws would be very helpful!Www@Answer-Health@Com
Answers:
If you are under 18, your medical record is technically in the control of your parent!. Period!. This means that is a parent requested it, he/she could review your medical record (including your psych record)!.
Confidentiality (for adults AND minors) is not an absolute!. In fact, there are many situations in which mental health professionals are ethically (and legally) bound to breach confidentiality!. For example, if you (or an adult) were to reveal plans to kill someone, not only would your therapist be required to inform the local authorities, he/she would also be required to inform your intended victim!.
If you are suicidal - all bets are off (confidentiality wise)!.
If you are a self-harmer - that's where we find the grey area!. Some professionals would reveal that to a parent, while others would not (depends a great deal on clinical judgment here - whether or not the behavior will actually cause you serious harm)!.
~M~Www@Answer-Health@Com
Confidentiality (for adults AND minors) is not an absolute!. In fact, there are many situations in which mental health professionals are ethically (and legally) bound to breach confidentiality!. For example, if you (or an adult) were to reveal plans to kill someone, not only would your therapist be required to inform the local authorities, he/she would also be required to inform your intended victim!.
If you are suicidal - all bets are off (confidentiality wise)!.
If you are a self-harmer - that's where we find the grey area!. Some professionals would reveal that to a parent, while others would not (depends a great deal on clinical judgment here - whether or not the behavior will actually cause you serious harm)!.
~M~Www@Answer-Health@Com
Well, I don't know about the "minor thing", but I'm 13, and when I went!. They could not tell my parents pretty much anything!. The only thing they can tell them is if you're suicidal or if you're planning to hurt someone [which obviously needs to be told]!. Mine told be she couldn't say if I killed someone in the past, robbed a bank in the past, or planning to rob a bank as long as I'm not bringing a gun!.
She also told me they could not view my records unless I gave her permission!. [If my parents were allowed to view my records I wouldn't even go] So as you can tell, whatever you tell you're psychiatrist is safe with them, very few exceptions!.
Good Luck :]
-GavinWww@Answer-Health@Com
She also told me they could not view my records unless I gave her permission!. [If my parents were allowed to view my records I wouldn't even go] So as you can tell, whatever you tell you're psychiatrist is safe with them, very few exceptions!.
Good Luck :]
-GavinWww@Answer-Health@Com
While I can't cite any laws, a mental health professional is bound to maintain confidentiality unless you express an intention to harm yourself or another person!. As far as rules relating to minors, I'm fairly certain the same thing applies in most states!. I'd consult a local psychologist to be certain!.Www@Answer-Health@Com