Is everything you say to a therapist confidential?

Asked by: Mrs. Hattie Lehner  |  Last update: June 14, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (65 votes)

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.

Is everything I say in therapy confidential?

In general, therapists are required to keep everything you say in confidence except for the following situations: planned suicide intent. planned violence towards others. past, present, or planned child abuse.

What is not confidential with a therapist?

Are there any exceptions to confidentiality? Yes, there are some circumstances where confidentiality cannot be maintained. For example, a therapist must report suspected child abuse, neglect, or imminent harm to self or others. Therapists may also have to release records if subpoenaed by a court of law.

Are therapy sessions actually confidential?

Therapists are required to maintain strict confidentiality in regard to their clients and their sessions. This means that unless there are legal exceptions or specific circumstances that require them to break confidentiality, therapists are not allowed to tell other people about your sessions.

Can you really tell your therapist anything?

In general, yes, you can tell your therapist virtually anything without fear of judgment or reprisal. The therapeutic relationship is built on trust and confidentiality, so you can feel safe to share your deepest thoughts and feelings. This is true for both in-person therapy and online counselling.

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41 related questions found

Can I overshare with my therapist?

It is possible to overshare in therapy if what you are talking about is not relevant or useful to your growth. Here are some examples of oversharing in therapy: Unrelated tangents: When a client goes on tangents that do not relate to their own experiences or feelings. Too much time on mundane details.

What can I not tell my therapist?

5 Things to Never Tell Your 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 therapy 100% confidential?

As a result, therapists, psychologists, and counselors are not supposed to disclose any information to spouses, police officers, teachers, or anyone else without their patient's consent. However, there are exceptions when therapists can break confidentiality.

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".

Are therapist notes private?

Unlike progress notes, psychotherapy notes are private and do not include: Medication details or records. Test results. Summary of diagnosis or treatment plan.

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).

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 are the three exceptions to confidentiality?

Which Circumstances Are Exempt from 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.

Do therapists record what you say?

Absolutely. Actually, if you are in a state where the only requirement to record a conversation is that the one who is recording is part of the conversation, the therapist probably doesn't even need your permission. Many therapists record their sessions.

How far does confidentiality go with a therapist?

Each counseling association has a code of conduct that dictates expectations regarding the rules of confidentiality. Generally speaking, most associations encourage therapists to maintain confidentiality except in cases where they're required to report or feel strongly compelled to based on professional judgment.

What do therapists notice about their clients?

* When discussing emotionally charged topics I notice when a client's breathing pattern changes, eyes are teary or glassy, their skin tone changes, etc. * I notice whether they are leaning towards me or away from me, how their body position changes throughout the session, or at particular points.

Can I ask my therapist for their notes?

Therapy notes are confidential—but yes, you can ask your therapist to see your notes. (On UpLift, you can request your progress notes by signing a release of information.) Some therapists may want to have a discussion with you about why you want to see your notes, but you do have a right to see your clinical notes.

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.

Does seeing a therapist disqualify you from the military?

You will be disqualified from the military if you have needed anxiety treatment for longer than 12 months total and/or have needed anxiety treatment at any time in the past 36 months.

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.

Can I sue my therapist for breaking confidentiality?

Finally, the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act in this state (California) provides that any violation of the law of confidentiality, as contained in the CMIA, that results in economic loss or personal injury to a patient is punishable as a misdemeanor.

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 OK to tell your therapist everything?

There really isn't much you shouldn't tell your therapist. But it's a good idea to try not to tell them everything all at once. Research shows that about 20 percent of clients leave therapy early and that most of the people who drop out of therapy quit after only two sessions.

When a therapist overshares?

It may be possible to talk it out and repair the relationship. But if you find your therapist repeatedly oversharing in a way that makes you uncomfortable—especially if they keep doing it even after you tell them you want them to stop—your best bet is to walk away.

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.