attackingvertical
Member
- Oct 20, 2025
- 28
Kind of an unhelpful answer but: it depends. I've had a multitude of therapists throughout the years for varying reasons (opening new practice, therapist moving, me moving/college), and it really does depend in the person and their experiences. I've had one in college where I could express my unwanted thoughts and, as long as I wasn't going to walk out of the appointment and hurt myself, my privacy was protected. I also had a recent therapist who called my mom after I told her about suicidal thinking, despite it breaching my privacy as a patient.
It does also depend on the severity of what you share. In theory, as long as you're just voicing general thoughts you should be fine. On the other hand if you talk about having a plan and intent, legally they're required to inform someone (in the USA anyways). It comes down to whether they think you have an intent to harm yourself in the near future. Also- whether you're a minor or not adds to the equation as well.
This isn't meant to be a discouragement of therapy. The right one really can be helpful. You just have to do some digging beforehand. I'd look for therapists who are experienced with mental health and suicidal ideation, like it's specifically listed on their website/profile. Also- avoid religious therapists. They have a habit of not following legal guidelines for the sake of their own morals.
It does also depend on the severity of what you share. In theory, as long as you're just voicing general thoughts you should be fine. On the other hand if you talk about having a plan and intent, legally they're required to inform someone (in the USA anyways). It comes down to whether they think you have an intent to harm yourself in the near future. Also- whether you're a minor or not adds to the equation as well.
This isn't meant to be a discouragement of therapy. The right one really can be helpful. You just have to do some digging beforehand. I'd look for therapists who are experienced with mental health and suicidal ideation, like it's specifically listed on their website/profile. Also- avoid religious therapists. They have a habit of not following legal guidelines for the sake of their own morals.
