Quote:
Originally Posted by SheHulk07
At the community mental health center that I'm a client at, it's on their admission form to put an emergency contact. I had my husband, but with everything going on I switched it to my cousin. In the 4 years I've been going there, they have never once contacted them.
Well I went to our weekend walk in center yesterday to get extra support...basically an extra session with a therapist that's on call that day. I've gone several times, and never had a problem until yesterday. I went in, just said that my husband did something that morning, that I had self harmed earlier and that I've been having some passive SI. That's all I said...I didn't say I had a plan, didn't say I've been researching ways, didn't say I wanted to SH later, etc. When I was leaving, he mentioned that it's protocol that when a client comes in for SI/SH that they call their emergency contact so that there's someone else that knows what's going on. I told him that it's unnecessary to call, and asked him not to. When I left, he ended up calling my cousin and leaving a detailed message on her voicemail that I was feeling suicidal and that I had SH!
My cousin freaked out, and was super worried even though she knows what's going on. I feel like that was a total breach of confidentiality as I specifically said I didn't have a plan or anything. What's your thoughts on this? Have you had this happen or am I right in this situation and should file a complaint?
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I'm so sorry!


Sounds like a new therapist, and one who didn't pay attention in class! Do you know if they were a trainee or intern? Filing a complaint sounds harsh given they were doing what they understood was right...maybe have a chat with their supervisor, or your regular therapist who might be able to clarify suicide/self harm risk assessment to them? (Now I'm waiting for you to say they've been practicing over 10 years lol!!) Hope you're taking care of yourself!
One more thing: they should have told you they were going to call your emergency contact. Its not a requirement but definitely a courtesy. Would have been nice if you could call your cousin right after and not leave them worrying after a terrifying message