Is going to therapy confidential?
Asked by: Lysanne Kessler | Last update: June 19, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (5 votes)
Are therapy sessions completely confidential?
Counseling is confidential
The law in the State of California mandates that information may be appropriately shared when the following conditions exist: If you present an imminent threat of harm to yourself or others. When there is an indication of abuse of a child, dependent adult or elderly adult.
Is everything I say to a therapist confidential?
If you are in therapy, you have the right to invoke (use) the therapist-client confidentiality privilege. This means that anything you say to your therapist is confidential and must be kept private between you and the therapist. This may not apply if you report abuse or neglect.
Does going to therapy go on your record?
In the same manner as medical records at a doctors office, they are strictly confidential and can only be accessed by an outside party with the permission of the client and in most cases a written consent. There is no worry that anyone will find out by your information being "public".
Is it possible to overshare with a therapist?
Yes, you can. There is nothing inappropriate about that. On the contrary, that's what your therapist is for. It may feel embarrassing at times, but your therapist has listened to extremely personal things before, from other clients.
Should You Tell Your Therapist Everything? | Confidentiality In Therapy
What can I not tell my therapist?
- Try not to tell your therapist lies. ...
- Try not to tell your therapist only part of the story. ...
- Don't tell your therapist details that are unrelated to you. ...
- Try not to downplay or exaggerate symptoms related to your mental health.
Is it okay to ask my therapist for a hug?
If you believe you're safe and comfortable with a hug from your therapist, it doesn't hurt to ask for one.
Can I tell my therapist about illegal things I've done?
While you can tell your therapist many illegal things you have done in the past, they do have to report you if they believe what you have told them indicates that you will do harm to another person, that you have intentionally downloaded or viewed child pornography, or that you have previously abused a child, disabled ...
Can employers see if you go to therapy?
In most cases, the answer is no: your mental health records are considered private information and your employer has no right to access them.
Will a therapist report you?
A mental health therapist is considered a mandatory reporter in certain cases under a "duty to warn" and may be subject to legal repercussions if they fail to disclose things like suicide risk, intent to harm, or risk of child abuse.
Should you tell your therapist all your secrets?
They want to know how you really feel and what you really think. So, tell them—you need to for therapy to work anyway! Your therapist will ask a lot of really personal questions in the beginning. Answer them as honestly as you can, but keep in mind you don't have to share any more details than you feel ready to share.
What causes a therapist to break confidentiality?
1. You are a danger to yourself and threaten to harm yourself (e.g., suicidal). 2. You threaten to harm another specific person (e.g., assault, kill).
Can therapy be used against you in court?
However, some exceptions can lead to the therapy records being used as evidence in court cases. These exceptions involve imminent harm, child abuse/neglect, mental health evaluations for court, and criminal proceedings.
What are the three exceptions to confidentiality?
- The client is an imminent and violent threat towards themselves or others.
- There is a billing situation which requires a condoned disclosure.
- Sharing information is necessary to facilitate client care across multiple providers.
What happens when a therapist calls CPS?
If they have any reason to believe that a child may be abused or neglected or is in an unsafe evironment they must report it to CPS. CPS must investigate, which they typically will do as soon as possible. They will come to your home and they will want to inspect it and see whether the child is well-cared for.
What do therapists notice about their clients?
Posture says a lot about how comfortable someone is, for instance. “People might shift back and forth, turn their body or feet away from the therapist, or slouch in their chair,” she says. And if someone crosses their arms or legs, it's often a sign of discomfort, either in general or about a specific topic.
Are therapy sessions actually confidential?
If the therapist is a registered professional such as a psychologist, then the answer is: yes, therapy sessions are absolutely confidential with (in most legal jurisdictions), two important types of exception (i) If the therapist believes that you, or another person (especially a child) is at imminent risk of harm they ...
Will therapy be on my record?
Benton Mobley, Director of Compliance for Active Screening, says he's never seen anything like a mental health record in the normal course of employment and/or tenant screening. It would have to be a criminal charge or be something else that is listed on a public index, like a criminal record or eviction(s) record(s).
Should you tell your boss you're in therapy?
Is there anything wrong with sharing with my boss or co-workers that I'm in therapy? That's up to you! Sometimes it can be easier to be open—and frankly, if you're in a senior role, there can be benefits to showing other staff members that the company supports people in taking care of their mental health.
What happens if you confess to a crime in therapy?
Therapists are generally focused on maintaining confidentiality unless there is an immediate threat. On the other hand, serious offenses like assault or threats of harm may require therapists to break confidentiality. They could have a duty to warn potential victims or report the crime to authorities.
What can a therapist disclose?
- danger to self.
- danger to others.
- abuse of children (including use of child pornography in certain states), dependent, or elderly adults.
- current or future crime concerning safety of others.
What can a therapist say in court?
If called upon as a fact witness, the therapist must stick to the facts. He or she will only discuss his or her medical findings, patient's condition and course of treatment. He or she will not express views on any issues regarding the case. However, therapists can also be expert witnesses.
Is it hard for therapists to say goodbye to clients?
Even with experience, saying goodbye is frequently difficult. The therapy relationship is an investment for both people. Therapists are real human beings.
Is it OK to ask your therapist if they like you?
In the end, there isn't a huge need to ask your therapist if they like you—especially if you're making progress in therapy. Because you wouldn't be making progress if there wasn't some sort of positive connection between you. But it's actually a good thing to ask them.
Can a therapist cuddle a client?
A therapist may generally not hug clients but choose to do so with a specific client if it's important to them. Or a therapist may determine that rejecting a client's request for a hug could hurt the therapeutic relationship. Every situation is taken on a case-by-case basis.