The idea that a therapist can withhold what they've diagnosed a client with from the client is baffling to me. I don't really care if they don't think diagnoses are "useful;" it is the way the system works right now and so they need to deal with it in that context. Mental health diagnoses have an impact on people's lives--they play a role in whether you can get life insurance, for example. Withholding a diagnosis for a client's supposed benefit is misguided paternalism at best. Would a medical doctor withhold a diagnosis of a physical disease for fear of upsetting the patient? I should hope not.

I think anyone who wants to know his/her diagnosis should be able to ask their therapist with the expectation of getting a straight answer. If a client doesn't want to know, I guess that's fine, but he/she should recognize the limitations that puts on his/her ability to find the best care.

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