my experience with changing many therapy professionals is that some release to the client a very abrievated file and then relase the comeplete file to treatment professionals, other times the therapy agency and state had a protocal where they did not release any part of the files directly to the client but will to the treatment professionals after release forms are signed and the treatment professionals that recieve the file can disclose or give the client copies of what is inside. other times I have recieved complete files. Other times I did have to pay for photocopying costs. There is usually nothing in the rules and protocalls that the therapy agencies HAVE to give you copies for free. They just have to make the file open to you for you viewing for free and at your request.

Check with your county mental health or local NAMI who will be able to tell you what your areas protocal is for releasing files. get the info in written and signed fom that you can submit to your treatment team you are trying to get the files from. if they still refuse forward the info and their refusal to the civil rights department that oversees mental health issues for your area. if it is protocal for your area that they are supposed to release the files directly to you you will get those files.