I don't know and will not speculate on 1 and 4.

But in regards to counseling - i've heard it is different even in different states (not just countries). However, if you are to see a counselor/therapist they should
go over this with you in the first session, at the very beginning. It may even be in the paper work. In MY case - my counselor has informed me (over and over because i'm neurotic about this) that:

* Most commitments are voluntary (agreed upon by counselor and patient).

* She has to report if I am suicidal - as in, i've mentioned it, we've explored it, I have a plan, I have the necessary things and am likely to do it. She always says: "Just because you have suicidal thoughts, does not necessarily mean you are going to do it. That is why I ask questions, to explore the thoughts." I've told her (unintentionally but after much questioning about hospitalization) that I was suicidal, and she just said "So i'm hearing you say, that you do not have a plan but are having suicidal thoughts." Nothing beyond dealing with those feelings came of that.

* Just to add - she has to report if a child, elder or vulnerable person is in an abusive environment. Or if I am threatening to leave there and hurt a person and have a gun - she has an obligation to contact/warn the victim to be.

Also to note:

* I have told her I self harm. She has not asked to see, how deep, or threatened to report it. She has asked me if I wanted to stop, and was satisfied with my answer (which was more or less no).

* If I tell her that I had an urge to self harm, she will ask about the circumstances surrounding the event to find a possible trigger. That way we can maybe come up with a better coping mechanism, or a way to not get that upset next time.