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Newbie question about therapy

J

Joe1234

Member
#1
#1
Hello
If I start going to a therapist and admit suicidal thoughts does anyone have first hand knowledge on the following?
What obligations of any kind does the therapist have for reporting my admission to any agency, family member, office, authority, law enforcement, government agency medical practice, insurance company or any other person or institution?

Thank you
 
AFlower

AFlower

SF Pro
#2
#2
Hello, first of all, I’m sorry you feel this way *hug10 but I’m glad you went to therapy , it’s important to get the help you need.

Secondly, it depends on the therapist and place you are from. usually, as long as they don’t feel you might act upon those thoughts, meaning you are not a danger to yourself, they are not obligated to report.
They might suggest you to see a psychiatrist in order to get an evaluation and maybe start medication.

I hope in time therapy will help and things will get better for you
 
LumberJack

LumberJack

Huggy Bear 🐻
#3
#3
I’m assuming you are in the USA. That’s the only place I have info on. Therapists and doctors, along with a few other professionals, are “mandatory reporters,” meaning that they have to report to law enforcement or social services anything they hear from a client that indicates child or elder abuse, homicidal, or suicidal intentions. Usually, they have to report you if you have a plan and supplies to go through with it, along with a timeline for your plan.

If you simply mention suicidal thoughts, and you are specific about stating that you are seeking help precisely because you don’t want to go through with it, then they don’t have to report you. It’s a judgement call for the professional, though, and some will make a report out of a concern that you might not be honest in stating that you don’t have a plan, etc. Usually at the first meeting with a new therapist, they will discuss this with you.
 
J

Joe1234

Member
#4
#4
LumberJack said:
I’m assuming you are in the USA. That’s the only place I have info on. Therapists and doctors, along with a few other professionals, are “mandatory reporters,” meaning that they have to report to law enforcement or social services anything they hear from a client that indicates child or elder abuse, homicidal, or suicidal intentions. Usually, they have to report you if you have a plan and supplies to go through with it, along with a timeline for your plan.

If you simply mention suicidal thoughts, and you are specific about stating that you are seeking help precisely because you don’t want to go through with it, then they don’t have to report you. It’s a judgement call for the professional, though, and some will make a report out of a concern that you might not be honest in stating that you don’t have a plan, etc. Usually at the first meeting with a new therapist, they will discuss this with you.
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Thank you for the reply. Since posting I Googled and read up on it. You are correct on all counts. Yes, I am in the US
 
may71

may71

mr. may
#5
#5
Joe1234 said:
Wondering if they have an obligation to report me I asked about it here in the forum and also Googled it. Since they have to report, which I will not let happen, that takes away the point of going. It wouldn't make sense to conceal it so that is that.
Click to expand...
I think they are only obligated to report if there's reason to think that you are a danger to yourself or others. You would very likely not be judged to be a danger to yourself unless you say that you've gathered methods or had formed a plan for suicide.
 
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