can a psychiatrist tell others what you told them?

Question

even if what someone told them was very bad and illegal, could, and would they tell the police? ive always wondered that.

Answer 1

Not necessarily. Most of the things discussed between a patient and a psychiatrist would be protected by confidentiality and doctor-patient privilege. However, if the person was posing a risk to themselves or to other people-in that case, yes, the psychiatrist has a "duty to warn" the other person and possibly the police.

The other exception would be if the psychiatrist was served with a subpoena for the treatment records or was called to testify in court.

Answer 2

Most of the advice here is right on. You should have been given a paper when you started going to the doctor about what the confidentiality rules are. If you can't find it, ask for another copy and read it.

Other circumstances they can tell others besides what others have said on here:

The insurance company can look at your records.
If you sign a release (like you get social services)
Some employers can look, which is detestable. Most don't.

That is a legitimate question to ask your doctor. He/she knows you are telling personal things.

They aren't going to tell anyone if you are using drugs, unless you are using them to the point they would threaten your life. If you poached a deer, they aren't going to tell anyone, or if you stole something. It has to be a crime where you are a threat to yourself or others.

Answer 3

I had my psychiatrist reports send to my employer and read my at least one coworker. IT CAN HAPPEN TO ANY OF YOU.

In Canada, if you appeal a workers compensation claim, your employer has a right to see all related medical files. If the receptionist is lazy like most are, they will fax ALL your medical files over to WCB. And then once workers compensation has your psychiatrist reports, they try to use it against you by sending it to your employer. It happened to me and I had to make an official complaint with the Privacy Commisioner or Canada. I found out that it was quite common. My advise for Canadians is to make sure the psychiatrist doesn't send his reports to your doctor. He can phone him instead. Americans might have better privacy laws.

Answer 4

If you are a danger to yourself, others, or are in danger yourself, then yes they can tell someone and are responsible for doing so. If doing something illegal means you have hurt someone or yourself in any way that endangers their or your well-being, then they can break the confidentiality clause.

Answer 5

Only in some situations. If you tell them that you're going to hurt yourself or soemone else they have to tell the authorities. Otherwise, they can't tell anyone what you talk about. Even your parents or spouse, without your permission.

Answer 6

Ethcally and professionally they cannot. Unless you need to be hospitalized or it is affecting another condition.
However, if you have signed any realeases there are situations in which they may be allowed to speak. They can also use pseudonyms.

Answer 7

No they aren't suppose to, what you tell them is confidential. And they shouldn't tell anyone. Not unless someones life is in danger then they could tell.

Answer 8

No they cannot tell others except in cases where they are required to tell the authorities.

If you are suicidal
If you are homicidal
If you have sexually abused a child

Answer 9

if it is something you or someone else has done like a bad crime yes they are suppose to report it to the police.,.

Answer 10

Yes they have a duty to warn,,, and i know this because my husband is a therapist.