I guess I can see both sides to that…Although wish it were restricted to cases where the patient is potentially a danger to self or others…I wish minors could be more able to discuss tricky issues with a therapist or psychologist without fear that what they say and express would get back to their parents - especially as in some cases parents are a significant part of the tricky issues they are trying to navigate. You can’t really speak candidly if you are unsure of whether what you said will be repeated - and without candor, doesn’t seem like sessions would be very effective.
I’d probably be in trouble if I’d try and request that
In California, even the request process is kept confidential by law. Again, may not be the same in other states.
It can be a delicate cakewalk. But safety of the child comes first.
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And in the era of school shootings and such I imagine there is a great deal of caution when teens express certain thoughts…
And the duty to warn/duty to protect has been an issue for MH providers especially since the Tarasoff case in CA in 1976 Tarasoff v. Regents of Univ. of Cal. :: :: Supreme Court of California Decisions :: California Case Law :: California Law :: US Law :: Justia
“On October 27, 1969, Prosenjit Poddar killed Tatiana Tarasoff. fn. 1 Plaintiffs, Tatiana’s parents, allege that two months earlier Poddar confided his intention to kill Tatiana to Dr. Lawrence Moore, a psychologist employed by the Cowell Memorial Hospital at the University of California at Berkeley. They allege that on Moore’s request, the campus police briefly detained Poddar, but released him when he appeared rational. They further claim that Dr. Harvey Powelson, Moore’s superior, then directed that no further action be taken to detain Poddar. No one warned plaintiffs of Tatiana’s peril.”
OK we are wandering off topic. But the point is, a minor may not be guaranteed confidentiality, unless the parents agree to it (should be in writing) in advance of the treatment, in some states. DK about NJ.
I don’t plan to talking to in real life people about my problems. I’m not trying to get in any trouble, if my friends seem fit to say something then I’ll deal with it then.
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