What kinds of things are therapists/psychiatrists/psychologists required to report?

Question

For instance, I have these awful compulsions to be violent when I am upset about something (and not at any other time). The thing is, though, that I would never hurt someone else- I would hurt myself first.

But if I were to find a therapist, would she have to report me if I spilled my guts about the things I sometimes feel compulsed to do (even though I wouldn't)? If so, this is a Catch-22.. what then?

I feel polarized between my heart (that would never hurt anyone) and the compulsions. My heart always wins out. To clarify a point, the reason I said that I turn my rage inward and would hurt myself is because I can't fathom ever hurting another living creature. I would hurt myself before I'd follow through on hurting someone else.

Answer 1

No, they wouldn't report you for things you think about. That's what they are for, to help you sort things out.

Answer 2

OK....this is the answer, Patient info is kept confidential always! unless something really serious, like ur abused like d other dude said. im not too sure about hurting someone else. Otherwise ur doctor has to keep ALL personal info about u confidential. SO, go ahead and spill ur guts! From wat i understand from ur q, ur not being abused right ? I have d same problem by the way, , but not to the point where it's a compulsion. Go to a therapist, they will really help you.

Answer 3

If you have the feeling to hurt yourself or someone else they are required to report this....what would happen is they would want to see you more often and probably change mediacation doses or type of mediication....you do need to "spill your guts" to be treated accurately as much as it may scare you but there are things that don't get reported as well just documented....good luck:)

Answer 4

Hmmm... so unfair!!! some Witnesses in Vot's congregation initiate counting and then they take 2 hours to return and forth to their first door!!! ='(( Vot counts beginning from her own room (bible learn with roommate) and walks down the hall to pass to the different scholars (2 seconds walk between doorways) NO honest!!! NO honest!!! i be responsive to!!! Vot will first pass downstairs, then walk to the a techniques end of the hall, then up the stairs back, then knock on one door, communicate a on an identical time as, then pass upstairs, walk to the tip of the hall, then downstairs, then knock on the door next to the only I purely knocked finally etc all evening. that could get me a least 7 hours in, no? What a waste of time that could be!!! answer: Time is counted from first communication to the final, minus breaks, alongside with vacationing time. Jehovah's Witnesses are truthful, and don't record extra time than they actually could of their comments, do no longer difficulty.

Answer 5

They are under a confidentiality rule. She can't talk about your case unless it is with other drs and therapists to improve your treatment, or if required by court order. If she thinks you are a real threat, she may talk to family, or to a social worker. But you don't sound like a homicide/ suicide threat to me. And you probably won't to a therapist.

Answer 6

yes, thats the ****** up thing, if they "sincerly" feel that you would hurt yourself or someone else, they can place you in an institution and by the way meds arent always the answer be sure the doctor doesnt just look at you with $ signs in his eyes

Answer 7

As far I understand it, professionals are required to report people who are a threat to themselves or a threat to others.

Answer 8

let me just say ......if you are having those types of feelings you need to tell them!....it is just a feeling hun there is nothing they can do but help you with meds....if you go in there and say " i beat my children , but only when i am angry" then they have to report it for protective reasons

Answer 9

They are required to report child abuse, and sometimes incidents that could lead to violence.

Answer 10

Harm to yourself or others.