Can a pyschologist tell an underage teen's parents what the teen says in confidence?

Question

example: if "I" walked into a counselors office and told her that I was cutting, or bulimic, would that counselor tell my parents??

Answer 1

I'll try to answer this for you with the information you have provided. Adolescents are also covered by confidentiality in the same manner as any adult would be. But, it is important for you to know that there are limits to confidentiality. A counselor or psychologist (or even a social worker or a teacher) is ethically bound to break confidentiality when they believe that the individual (in this case you) were to give the psychologist enough information that made the psychologist determine that you were
1. A danger to your self (this could very well mean cutting or an eating disorder)
2. A danger to others
3. Or when otherwise required by law (if the court ordered the records)

If you do not fall in one of the above three categories...you probably wouldn't have to worry about your counselor talking to your parents because you do have rights. If you are wanting to know what the specific rights are...ask you counselor. He or she is ethically obligated to explain them to you in a way that you understand.
If you are in a cutting or bulimic situation. Please stop. Ask your therapist to help you get the help you need. I won't preach at you but you are going down a dangerous path with self injurious behaviors and eating disorders. I see it everyday at work and it is sad. Feel free to email me if you have other questions. Good Luck to you!!

**Please note...this is the law in MN...where I live...it might be different in the state you live in**

Answer 2

What you are asking is quite an ethical dilema.

As a minor child, you are not afforded many of the same privacy rights as adults. If you are a minor and you go to the doctor for a check-up and the doctor finds something wrong, your parents can legally be shown your medical file as they are in charge of your well-being. As a 31 year old, if my mother asked to see my file at the doctor's office, they would tell her to bug off.

When it comes to mental health, it really is a fine line. can the parents see your file if they request it? Absolutely. Would a psychiatriest, psychologist, or a councelor voulenteer this information without you giving them explicit permission to do so? Probably not as it would betray the patients trust and undermine the point of counciling. Most likely, I would expect the person to tell you why you should let them tell your parents so an appropriate treatment program could be established if required.

If you are having problems, so see a school counselor. Ask them up front if they will tell your parents. Never be afraid to question a doctor or any other person when it comes to your physical or mental health.

I wish you good luck and if you (or someone else) needs help, I hope they have the courage to seek it. The hardest step in the process is asking for the help.

Answer 3

Unless you were a danger to yourself or others (a suicide or murder threat, usually), the counselor is required by law to maintain your confidence. They may suggest that you guys have a sitdown with the counselor present so they can have a general idea of what going on, which is probably a good idea, you need their support. But if you refuse, that wish will be honored. Now if the bulemia has progressed to the point that you're very ill and need to be hospitalized to keep you from dying, they will need to be notified. But it is a general notification, "Your child has bulemia and needs medical attention" No details about what you said in confidence. Trust your counselor, talk freely and openly, don't hide anything, and follow suggestions and you will hopefully get better. Think, though, about involving your parents at some level. I'm sure they love you and would support you. God bless!

Answer 4

My daughter is 16 and is a cutter. The school counselor found out and informed me. She is now in therapy and the only info that I'm allowed to have is how much I owe and when her appointments are unless she specifies otherwise. I'm guessing that when it's a therapist that the doctor-patient confidentialty rule applies but I'm not totally sure.

Answer 5

Yes they can. If you are hurting your self Or some one is hurting you they have to tell your parents. Even if you speak or write about suicide they tell your parents. It happened to me one time i had broken up with my boyfriend and i wrote a poem saying "i would rather die than live with out you" the teacher saw it sent me to the counselors and the counselor called my mom n my mom had to take me to the Lonny place n they were asking me if i was suicidal or what ever i was like no i was just sad n wanted to get my feeling out no big deal..but the school thought it was a big deal i couldn't go back to school until the Lonny doctor signed a paper sing i was OK n could go back to school....

Answer 6

THIS WILL DEPEND ON WHAT STATE YOU LIVE IN. But in most states confidentiality may ethically be broken when dealing with a minor. However, your counselor should tell you before speaking with your parents. He or she may help you arrange a session in which you can all be present to help facilitate your telling your parents. The counselor has a code of ethics that they follow depending on their credentials (MSW, PhD, CADC, etc.). When you meet with a counselor they will let you know when they would be compelled to break confidentiality.

Answer 7

Unfortunately, (at least in my experience when I was underage) the rules of confidentiality do not apply to minors regardless of the content. Because the parent's are custodial they have the right to know.

If it is an adult then breaking confidentiality applies only to limited circumstances which would include self harm or harm to others.

Answer 8

Depends on what state you're in.

I'm a counselor and my state has a duty to warn....if you told me, "I hate my parents and I'm going to take my dad's gun from the closet and shoot them while they sleep." I'd have to warn them.

The other issues are life and death and I would try to work with you so YOU would tell them.

If you are really having these problems, you need help. That would be the bravest thing for you to do....tell your parents with the help of your counselor.

Answer 9

It changes in diffrent states. It all depends on where you live, i am in PA and after the age of 14 most things are confident, unless you threaten to hurt yourself or someone eles. I am not sure if at 14 they can tell your parents that but they can have you committed. BUt if you have a seriouse problem like that you should tell your parents.

Answer 10

There is a difference between a school counsellor and a physiologist. A school counsellor will report to social services and or a parent if need be. A Psychologist is your personal doctor that will never share information with anyone. If you are having problems listed from the above topics you should be getting help so you can live a normal productive life.