if you tell a pschyiatrist something very personal & potentially..?

Question

harmful to yourself will he/she tell your parents or is it like a priest & will sware not to tell under oath.??

Answer 1

It's illegal for a psychiatrist to tell anyone anything that you say during a therapy session unless he/she believes you are a danger to yourself or others, in which case he/she must alert the appropriate authorities to ensure you and the people around you will be safe. If you're still a minor, he/she can and will also share your diagnosis with your parents, but he/she won't share personal details unless they are immediately relevant to something your parents need to do in order to keep you safe and healthy. If you're a minor and tell your therapist you've been physically or sexually abused, he/she is required to inform the local police and/or child protection agency. If you're no longer a minor, your therapist can't tell your parents much of anything, even your diagnosis or what medications you're prescribed. The only thing they are even allowed to tell someone is if you threaten to kill or seriously injure yourself or others.

Answer 2

The answer is more clear if you are an adult. An adult can see a psychiatrist and trust that the information will not be shared with anyone else, unless the patient gives permission. Even with adults, though, there are a few exceptions. Patients who intend to hurt themselves (e.g., suicide) or others (homicide), or who tell the doctor about child abuse -- the doctor is required by law to report these situations.

If a minor sees a psychiatrist, the doctor will almost always respect your secrets. However, there is some information they may need to share with your parent or legal guardian. For example, they can't give you any medicines without your parent's permission, so the doctor may talk to your parents if they think you need medicine. Or if you intend to hurt yourself or others. Almost any other topic is confidential.

One thing you can do: ask your psychiatrist about this *before* saying the thing you're concerned about. Psychiatry is based on trust, so if your doctor says it's confidential, then it is. And if not... not.

Answer 3

By-and-large, a psychiatrist will treat a minor patient like an adult -
everything said is confidential except where the patient indicates he
will harm him or herself or others (true for adults and children).

There are certain exceptions - such as if the child was abused, the
psychiatrist is required by law to report the abuse (as are all doctors).

"swear under oath" is a reference to testifying in court - and discussion
between a doctor and patient falls into the category of "Privileged speech"
and nobody can be compelled to repeat these conversations (in court
otherwise) unless it indicates that the patient would injure himself or others.

Answer 4

If you are suicidal, homicidal or intend to inflict harm on yourself or others, in most states, there is a duty to disclose. Who the information is disclosed to varies. Psychiatrists and other mental health workers are governed by ethics and very strict confidentiality laws. Your question is a very complicated one... without knowing the details, there is no clear cut answer. Mental health providers struggle with questions like this all the time.

Answer 5

They can not tell. It's worse than a priest; they can be sued if they repeat anything. I'm sure that they will try to deal with you and your situation. They will more than likely sit you all down and have you tell them.

They have to tell if you've DONE something and the police need them to. Oh, and they are not allowed to tell something that you have done unless they feel harm to THEM. They do not HAVE to tell if you say you are going to kill someone. They can have you committed but they can't tell. They have to feel as though they are in danger; just like a lawyer and then they can only remove themselves from the situation.

Answer 6

psychiatrists are mandated reporters. If they feel that you could be a danger to yourself or someone else, they must inform the proper authorities. However, if they do not feel that you are a danger to yourself or others, then anything that you tell them is confidential. If you are doing something potentially harmful to yourself it is important to tell someone else. And a psychiatrist is a great person to confide in. I wish you the best.

Answer 7

If you are under 18 a psychiatrist can share just about anything with your parents. But they usually only tell your parents your progress, and not personal details.. Above all, they will tell your parents if you are planning on hurting yourself or others. They will do that even if you were of age.

Answer 8

I believe a psychiatrist has several responsibilites - to keep whatever you tell him/her private coz otherwise no one will open up to them and they won't be able to fix your issues.

- also if something is very serious and he thinks you're in danger, he's also responsible for your safety, so he may need to consult your parents.. unless you are being hurt/threatened by your parents/guardians, then they may have to go to the police to help you.

This is only my opinion and I wish you all the best.

Answer 9

Unfortunately, shrinks are told that if anyone is going to or has potential to harm themselves or others to tell. That's the rules...Now if you mean that you're not a virgin or something like that and you consider it harmful than no issue, he or she...that is your therapist has to keep that under wraps. Of course if you're suicidal or going to kill someone than he/she is obliged by law to tell. PEACE!

Answer 10

If you say anything about hurting yourself, or others, as well as if you say you're being abused, they can tell someone. Other than that, you should be safe.