If I go and see my school counselor and talk to her about depression can she tell my parents about it? Even if they call her and ask? Also, will it even help, because what can she do about it to help me?
2006-08-03 19:25:33 · 12 answers · asked by bluevolleyball12 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
I don't think they can tell your parents. Ask about the confidentiality policy. I do know for a fact, however, that if you express thoughts of harming yourself or someone else they can Baker Act you (the confidentiality does not matter at this point), and that means putting you in a hospital for 3 days for observation. But thats an extreme. Ask your counselor about confidentiality before you talk about anything if you are worried. Hope that helped.
2006-08-03 19:46:36 · answer #1 · answered by Angel3192 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm pretty sure that school counselors are only allowed, and actually required, to get the parents involved if the student is becoming a danger to herself, or others. I don't know if your parents would be involved or not, as there are different ways of thinking about the situation. They could feel it necessary to contact your parents since depressed people can be suicidal. Depression is also a serious mental illness that can be controlled. I strongly urge you to tell your parents. I'm sure that you maybe embarrassed, or afraid of what their reaction would be, but I'm sure they would support you and be very glad that you told them. Another reason you should tell them is because they could get you a professional psychologist who, I'm almost positive, could help you out more than a school counselor, as school counselors are meant to guide you. They can't give you real therapy, diagnose you, or refer you to a psychiatrist for medication that you could possibly need. Best of luck to you.
2006-08-04 02:55:41 · answer #2 · answered by tumblingtumblers 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because of confidentiality and the code of ethics, your school counselor can assist you and not tell your parents. Unless you are a danger to yourself or others, the school counselor does not have to tell your parents about your depression.
2006-08-04 21:11:58 · answer #3 · answered by Shay 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I really agree with diyta's answer, that's what your parents do. Your counselor can help but sync gal's answer is not entirely correct. If your counselor believes your life or health to be at risk they are legally bound, and legally liable, to report it to Child Protective Services, or similar entity. If it was reported, your parents would almost certainly find out. If you go to your counselor and ask for help with you parents knowledge she can most certainly help or get you help.
2006-08-04 02:43:15 · answer #4 · answered by jeff b 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that unless you are a danger to yourself or others, your school counselor would be willing to keep information private between the two of you - and she can refer you to someone who CAN help you, if she cannot.
Hey, what state do you live in? I will see if I can find a free helpline or something....
2006-08-04 02:35:39 · answer #5 · answered by Julia B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know you're probably scared and embarrassed, but you should really tell your parents. That's what they're there for. They won't be mad at you, you didn't do anything wrong. They will be hurt if they find out that you didn't feel comfortable to confide in them. Try your best to bring it up to your parents, you'll feel a lot better when they know. They'll be there to support you, and you won't have to keep hiding this secret from them, it will be a huge weight off your shoulders.
2006-08-04 02:32:38 · answer #6 · answered by diyta 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
USUALLY, if you aren't threatening to harm yourself or others, they won't tell your parents. Also, if you aren't showing major flags, why should your parents feel the Need to Call? and YES, it most Certainly CAN help. What exactly she can (and can't ) DO to help you, is something that she will explain when you ask her....
2006-08-04 02:33:42 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm pretty sure that as long as it isn't something like your parents beating you or you doing drugs or w/e, privacy laws apply. She'll probably be able to point you in the direction of people who can help you, like a therapist.
2006-08-04 03:24:32 · answer #8 · answered by me41987 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She can offer you adivce, or link you to resources within your community. She is obligated by law to inform your parents if you have any thoughts of hurting yourself or others.
2006-08-04 02:34:38 · answer #9 · answered by shpanks 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
school can help you its agaist the law if they tell your parents the only way they can tell is if you are going to hurt yourself or hurt someone else so talk to someone.
2006-08-04 02:34:40 · answer #10 · answered by ANGEL BABY GIRL 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋