Do therapists have to report this?

Question

I'm thinking of going to a therapist.

And I haven't really had thoughts of suicide exactly, not seriosuly anyway.

But I have just wanted life to end lately I don't see any hope or feel like theres much ahead or much point of staying here. I really feel that way, I just want to go away, or even be alone, without all these people. I really feel that way.

But I mean do they have to report that? Because I'm not that crazy at this point and want to deal with this in a reasonable gradual rational manner. And I want to do the therapy without my parents knowing, but if that gets out there, then suddenly they're involved in everything. SO I think maybe I shouldn't say that even though I want to be able to tell them everything. Is there a therapist who can;t tell anything no matter what you say?

Answer 1

Suicidal ideation is a common theme that folks discuss in therapy all the time and as therapists we don't hit the panic button and report it or put people in the hospital unless there is imminent danger. You certainly sound more than willing to contract not to act any thoughts of suicide and that is enough to demonstrate you are not at imminent risk and therefore there would be no need to disclose it to your parents (even if you are a minor) or to anyone else. Please don't feel as though you can't discuss it with a counselor for fear they will involve others you don't wish to have involved, though they may talk with you about reasons to enlist the support of those who care about you.

Answer 2

Suicidal thoughts are not reportable. Serious suicidal plans that a person won't agree to talk about and let go of are reportable. Therapists only report people who are a serious threat to themselves or others and are not willing to stop themselves.
Talking about suicidal feelings in therapy is common. Go ahead and find someone to talk to. Call a suicide hotline - it's free and people are sympathetic listeners.
Good luck. There's light beyond this darkness.

Answer 3

Please go to a therapist or psychologist. It sounds like you are experiencing depression. If you let it go untreated your fellings of hopelessness and disinterest in your life could turn into suicidal tendencies. You can't exactly hide from your parents that you are seeing a therapist - someone has to pay for it - but your therapist won't blab everything you say to your parents. It's required by law to remain confidential. Start with your school counselor or your college's health services department.

Answer 4

They may hospitalize you and make sure you are not depressed .I think if this is how you are feeling then maybe you do need to be in a hospital before it gets to be too late.

Good Luck

Answer 5

if they think that you might actually do something then yes they are required to report it other than that everything is confidential but for legal and moral and ethical issues if they feel that someone is going to harm themselves or someone else they are required to report it