Question

What happens if your therapist tells your parents?

Answer 1

If your therapist tells your parents they can lose their license and job as a therapist as they are bound by confidentiality laws that protect what you say to them.

However if it were something really dangerous such as planning a mass shooting etc then they would likely report it to the authorities to prevent a tragic outcome.

But most things you say to the therapist will be kept confidential.

Your therapist cannot tell your parents anything without your consent as therapists are bound by confidentiality laws that protect what you say in therapy.

You cannot talk to a therapist without your parents knowing if you're under 18 as your parents need to consent for you to see and talk to a therapist.

You cannot go to a therapist without telling your parents.

To be seen by a therapist you will need to provide informed consent from a parent or legal guardian.

Minors cannot provide the consent needed for therapist treatment or mental health treatment on their own.

A small number of states make exceptions for sensitive issues like mental health but the majority of states require parental consent to be treated or seen for mental health including going to a therapist.

However while you require parental consent to be seen by a therapist the therapist cannot tell your parents what you discuss with them unless you're really young.

Therapists are confined by confidentiality laws that protect what you say to the therapist.

So the therapist will not tell your parents what you say unless you consent to the therapist doing so in writing.

Legally speaking, people under the age of 18 do not typically have a right to confidentiality in therapy.

However, some therapists ask parents to agree to the therapist's confidentiality rules before they will treat the client.

While state laws cover alcohol and drug abuse, some specify only one or the other.

Some states prohibit disclosure to parents, some leave this to the physician's discretion, and others require disclosure under certain circumstances.

Therapists who break confidentiality laws may be sued by clients in some cases, and they can get into trouble with state licensing boards as a result.

HIPAA does also allow a therapist to secure a client's permission to share relevant information with a health insurer for the purpose of being reimbursed for claims.

Even if you confess to your therapist that you are guilty of multiple robberies, rapes, or murders, therapists cannot report this information to the police, as it violates patient confidentiality laws if they do.

The amount of information you share with a therapist is entirely up to you.

After all, you're the client.

Still, the more honest you are with your therapist, the better.

Giving your therapist a window into your thoughts, feelings, and experiences provides them with context and details, so they can best help you.

Answer 2

The specifics can depend on the situation, but generally, a therapist's ability to share information with your parents is guided by confidentiality rules and legal requirements. Here’s a general overview:

1. Confidentiality and Exceptions: Therapists are usually bound by confidentiality, meaning they cannot share details about your sessions without your consent. However, there are exceptions, such as if there’s a risk of harm to yourself or others, or if abuse is suspected. In these cases, the therapist might be required to inform appropriate parties, which could include your parents, especially if you're a minor.

2. Informed Consent: In therapy, you’ll typically discuss and agree on what can be shared with others, including your parents. This process helps you understand and consent to the limits of confidentiality.

3. Parental Involvement: For minors, therapists often work with parents to some extent. This doesn’t mean they disclose everything, but they might share general progress or areas where parental support could be beneficial.

4. Legal and Ethical Guidelines: Therapists must adhere to legal and ethical guidelines, which vary by location. These guidelines dictate what they can and cannot share without breaching confidentiality.

If you’re concerned about what might be shared with your parents, it’s a good idea to discuss these concerns directly with your therapist. They can clarify their policies and help you understand how your privacy is protected.