Self harm and psychologists?

Question

I know that psychologists are obligated to report to parents if the patient is harming themselves.
But, what if the patient DID cut themselves without the intention of suicide. But doesn't anymore. Is the psychologist still obligated to report what happened to parents?

Answer 1

I don't really think that psychologists are allowed to tell your parents about stuff (except if it was a suicide attempt). If you feel the need to discuss this with someone then i would say go for it cos if u keep it all inside you it will eat u up and eventually u will start cutting again. You have to be able to trust the person before you tell them cos sometimes it can go really wrong. I have been thro this before (i used to self harm) and sometimes telling just makes it worse. I don't really know what to say cos its important to be able to discuss it. I would suggest being upfront with your psychologist and ask her/him if what you say is confidential and ask her exactly what she is obliged to report. Self harm and suicide are completely different, so i don't think that the psychologist is allowed to tell your parents stuff without your permission. If you need to talk about anything please email me [e-mail] Like i said before i kinda know what u are going thro it as i have been thro it myself.

Answer 2

If it's a deliberate cut, the psychologist will take note of it (even if suicide was not intended) because it is still considered abnormal behavior. If the cut was a result of an accident, sometimes the doctor would not believe it was an accident until a witness tells him otherwise. This is just to be on the safe side. The patient could tell the doctor he wasn't trying to kill himself, and the doctor should take note of that too. It all contributes to how the doctor understands the patient and would help him decide how best to help the patient.

I didn't know psychologists discussed every little thing about a patient to the patient's parents, unless it's to explain how to help treat the patient (what warning signs to look for, for instance, that the patient is getting worse and needs to be brought in for another consultation or what not).

Answer 3

I can't answer your question, but if you are cutting or doing something else harmful to yourself, you know you need to get help. Go to someone you trust - a doctor, a teacher, a youth leader if you're in 4H or scouting or something similar, your doctor, a minister or priest if you believe - someone that can help you, or refer you to someone with the tools needed.

And yes, they may tell your parents. But think about it - shouldn't they know any way? Unless your home life is really awful - and I mean physical, verbal, or mental abuse - they really do have your best interests at heart.

If you can't go to any of these, look in the yellow pages for "crisis intervention", or something similar, and you should find someone you can talk to anonymously.

Answer 4

I believe that psychologists are mandated to report all self-abuse, suicidal and homicidal ideation and attempts to those responsible for you.

Be good to yourself. Why not? If you're already feeling bad it could be that no one is lining up to be good to you. Part of the solution may be to learn to be good to yourself. Feelings of intense anxiety may compel you to act out, with some young people actually mutilating their own bodies. Older people do the same thing but through the use of alcohol and other drugs and by making poor choices that lead others to abuse them.

Try being good to yourself.

Answer 5

Yes. Just as you said..."if the patient is harming themselves...".
How is the doc suppose to know you wouldn't accidently kill yourself? Accident's happen.
I'm glad you stopped cutting yourself, keep it up.

Answer 6

DUNNO...........SORRY!