Why don't therapists keep their confidentiality?

[cali22]

Title

 

[LivideLamb]

What do you mean by that ? Aren't therapist, like any doctor, supposed to be confidential, about everything ?

 

[Ash]

I know here in the UK they have a duty of care that includes threats to others and yourself but you have to agree to this in the paperwork bit before treatment starts.

 

[Zazacosta]

I know here in the UK they have a duty of care that includes threats to others and yourself but you have to agree to this in the paperwork bit before treatment starts.

Quite similar here (A country in the East. EU).

 

[thenamingofcats]

It's extremely hard to make them have consequences for not keeping confidentiality. Every therapist I've had has told stories or anecdotes about other past or current clients. It's been to the point I didn't even know they weren't supposed to do that. I have a neighbor right now that worked as a therapist and she talks about clients all the time. Never assume that what you say will be confidential with them even if they say it will be. It's not how they actually behave.

 

[1MiserableGuy]

Know your local laws. As long as they don't mention anything that directly points you out, like your name or where you live, you don't have any evidence to support your claim.

 

[LaughingGoat]

It's called be a Mandated Reporter. I worked in social/behavioral roles for years and it is a legal duty you have to report anything that is a danger to the person. Usually this was when the patient told me of abuse by their parents or something similar, but it would also apply if a person in that role was told they were planning suicide.

 

[thenamingofcats]

It's called be a Mandated Reporter. I worked in social/behavioral roles for years and it is a legal duty you have to report anything that is a danger to the person. Usually this was when the patient told me of abuse by their parents or something similar, but it would also apply if a person in that role was told they were planning suicide.

I get the sense this isn't the type of thing they're referring to. But about what you're saying, I did get reported for saying I felt suicidal, which is also why I now hide it. There should be some gray area where every mention of suicide won't result in a report. I also won't talk to them about childhood abuse because I'm afraid they'll report it and it will have serious repercussions for me.

 

[LaughingGoat]

I get the sense this isn't the type of thing they're referring to. But about what you're saying, I did get reported for saying I felt suicidal, which is also why I now hide it. There should be some gray area where every mention of suicide won't result in a report. I also won't talk to them about childhood abuse because I'm afraid they'll report it and it will have serious repercussions for me.

If it's not something related to mandated reporting, than you should absolutely cut ties and report it to the licensing board if you feel so inclined.

That's rough, obviously I wasn't there so can't say but if they thought your suicidality was a "present threat" at the time they would report it. Where you a child at the time? Generally the reporting for child patients is much more regular than for adults.

 

[thenamingofcats]

If it's not something related to mandated reporting, than you should absolutely cut ties and report it to the licensing board if you feel so inclined.

That's rough, obviously I wasn't there so can't say but if they thought your suicidality was a "present threat" at the time they would report it. Where you a child at the time? Generally the reporting for child patients is much more regular than for adults.

I was an adult. My main concern is terms like present threat are so vague and the clinician is the one that gets to make the call, never the patient.

 

[LaughingGoat]

I was an adult. My main concern is terms like present threat are so vague and the clinician is the one that gets to make the call, never the patient.

You're absolutely correct and I am strongly against the fact committing people for suicidality is even a thing. That being said, the vast majority of people I've worked with in the field would not report suicidal thoughts unless the person gave verbal confirmation that they were actively planning to do so. If someone is reported for a non-credible claim, I would still encourage them to make a report if inclined (it may get rejected, but possibly not if there is a previous pattern). But you're obviously right to be skeptical of therapists given your experience and there is always a risk sharing these thoughts with anyone.