I asked to see a copy of my treatment plan. T asked why and then we reviewed it together. No charge - except the session. Looking back, I wish that I hadn't done it. My T was defensive. It took 3 sessions to get past it and I didn't learn anything new.

My son has had a lot of treatment and I have requested records. Many places have a formal process so it can take some time even when working with a sole practitioner. Governmental agencies will make you jump through hoops unless you have them sent directly to another T and then you do not have to pay because it is considered "continuance of care." When I have requested and received them personally from any mental health professional, I had to pay like I would any other doctor.

You will not see a lot of detail. There are two types of records. One type is summarized in the client's file and that does not have a lot of detail. It has the treatment plan, diagnosis, etc. Very clinical. The other type is the T's internal notes and is not considered part of the record. Those are for the T's use and get destroyed as the T no longer needs them.

I am in the U.S.