Can I ask to see my notes?

Hello,

I've seen psychiatrists, CPN's, therapists etc etc since I was 14 (i'm now nearly 20) and my file is getting very thick. In all this time, I have never been given an official diagnosis, just the words depression and anxiety etc have been thrown around a bit. I've been getting really curious about wanting to read my file, and to see what they have been thinking over the years and if anyone has labeled me with a diagnosis. I believe my problems are the severe depression, anxiety and I there is also some problems that I'm not sure about and want to know if they have picked up on them. I know they may think I will find it upsetting to read, especially the notes from my hospital stays and su attempts, but I just really do want to know what they have put. I'm in the UK so not sure what sort of rights I have.

J x

In the UK it is your legal right under the Data Protection Act to see your notes whenever you request them.
I know this because I have just signed a contract with a new T and the contract says exactly that. "It is your legal right under the Data Protection Act to view your notes at any time".

You can request notes from former Ts and pdocs. i believe it is your right. some of them may charge a fee per page though

Yep, I believe you just have to ask. They generally won't volunteer to show you, but it should be allowed. At my therapist's practice, we're allowed to look at our files, but we have to pay per page if we want our files photocopied. I obviously paid for the photocopied files, haha.

Yes you can, if you have the courage to ask!

Some places need written consent to release notes but under data protection you can ask.

Since you are in the UK, I am also not sure what your rights are as a patient/client. In the US you have the right to see your therapy records. The details of how those records are shown to you may vary from state to state, but one way or another you have the right to see either the copies, or the summary or to inspect the originals in session. There only exemption when the therapist may refuse to show you the records is if they believe it would be detrimental for your mental state to see them.

I asked several times and was told"No!" They were her "personal notes".

I'm not sure if I dare ask! But I have a feeling they'd probably throw the "it would be bad for my mental state" thing on me.

I had my first panic attack when I was 9 or 10 and wish I'd gotten my GP''s notes. Her practice dissolved decades ago and the info is gone. Sad.

Would it help to take an incremental approach? Approach one of your providers and ask, May I see your notes about me? What is the procedure and cost? Then decide whether you want to receive the most recent 10 pages or dates X to Y. Or none at all. You don't even have to read them. Repeat for another provider. In situations like this I get stuck and taking little steps can help.

Good luck!