whats kept on your medical records, yes everything you gave them (names addresses, phone numbers ...) stays with your files regardless. most states legally have to keep records for a certain amount of time usually it ranges between 2 and 10 years. this way a client can even after they no longer receive treatment can contact them for copies of their files and if a client decides later on to see another treatment provider or someone in the same agency all that is needed is filling in a release of information form and that file can be copied. it also comes in handy for the police because if someone commits a crime and its proven that crime was committed due to mental problems the sentence for the crime can take that into consideration.