[RedBarchetta]

I know I have a lot of issues, but every single time I seem to start with anyone, THEY screw it up!
What I mean by that - I know one issue is an unusually high desire for privacy, and they all know that much up front - yet it still seems like the info reviled to them ends up being know by people that are not my doctors (and I absolutely WILL NOT accept this).
Once you revile any any medical, mental, or even dental info - that's it, I WILL (and DO) fire you - I actually don't even care if the law says you have to - do it, and you will NEVER see me again, and you better not ever contact me... Once you do that, whatever the reason, I just do not trust you at all and that is all there is to it - it might even have helped a lot - but that makes no difference at all - just keep 100% of what I tell you 100% private (I am o.k. with talking to my personal doctors about it - but that is absolutely it) or I will fire you - it is really that simple....

Problem with a therapist?

[RedBarchetta]

Originally Posted by licketysplit

Problem with a therapist?

Well, I guess not for say -
But every time I attempt it yet again, (and that ONLY happens because familly refuses to just leave it alone) I find that "somehow" people that are not treating anything find out about some things mentioned - and there is only one way that happens (and I count insurance as a non-treating entity, so you can't tell them anything except what the bill is either - I won't even put up with them knowing about an advised test that I refused) and if it can not be 100% private (as in EXACTLY like I never told anyone) I really don't want any part of it...
BUT people just have to push and push and push....
My proposal - what about (just so I can insure no bumps of any kind) one that would come to my house (that way I know if there are any recording devices I put them there and only I will ever have access to it) and not bring any sort of recording device, also agrees not to say anything to anyone unless you are talking about my own doctors, and that means even in a case of if I decided I want to buy a weapon - if you say anything about anything even in that case, and even if you somehow believe I might be suicidal or homicidal - I will not trust you at all.....

I get it. Well, the only way to ensure total privacy of information is not to use insurance at all and to ask the therapist not to take notes. When someone else is paying (insurance) the deal is that they get certain information and are required to provide it. That's just how it is.

I avoid insurance companies and ensure privacy by paying privately. Really, that's the only way. I've never heard of one that will do house calls, though.

Also, not to be rude, but if I were this stressed about things, I would consider taking medication just to see if it helped calm my thoughts down. Medication doesn't have to be a forever thing. Sometimes, it can help in a pinch. Just a thought.

[RedBarchetta]

Insurance was just one issue - but in itself says forget doing anything then - because I WILL NOT have any info like that given to anyone that is not treating something - that is all there is to it - and I can not really afford to even survive (always cutting something short to stop someone else from complaining) - so if there is a way to do that, and still pay rent, food, T.V, phone, Internet, Car insurance, Gasoline, exc. on roughly $700 a month - I would love to know it......

And I do take a medication for anxiety - but I'll admit it doesn't work too well. But last time I tried to do anything about that - I got handed additional drugs, that I put in the garbage because they broke other things - they worked, but I WILL NOT put up breaking anything in order to achieve that. There was one other medication mentioned, but I refused to even try it because that one would basically require me to feel as though I have the doctor looking over my shoulder about it all the time - and I won't have that either (that is THE reason I refuse pain management as well - and I know that dose not help either, but...)

Just can't stand being watched too close either - really, people think I'm kiding, but the few times I was in a medical hospital - and it was an IV required - I wanted them to just start the ting (since I don't know enough to start it myself) give me what I need - explain how to use it...Then - I go HOME and do it....WITHOUT an RN or anything else parked there......

These are all understandable. And you're absolutely right, anyone who is not providing treatment should not have access to your information unless you've granted it--and you have not.

Most states have a low income legal assistance program. I wonder if someone can help you look into the sharing of your information? A Disability Rights organization can also give you a referral, if you want to pursue this. It sounds like you're not being treated with any respect for your confidentiality.

As for medication, yeah. They will cause other problems. If you have a provider who listens and respects your wishes, though, there are often ways to find the least horrible option that can have more benefits than drawbacks. Not saying it's easy.

I hope you can get the peace you need and deserve.

[RedBarchetta]

That might help as far the privacy - never really gave it a thought....

But medication - I am one tough nut to crack there I admit that..Basically ANY noticeable adverse effects and I do not want it. So cause impotence, any additional pain (even just a tinny bit), drowsiness that a cup of coffee won't fix, anything like that and forget it. (I even tossed a few for worsting acid reflux, and another for causing a mild but consistant cough)
SO that is a least in par me, might be something underling there to - but for now THE rules are:

1.) Do NOT brake anything period.
2.) Do NOT make me feel as though I am being watched any closer than if I did not except it. (If you do, that WILL be the end of it regardless of anything.)

Originally Posted by RedBarchetta

1.) Do NOT brake anything period.

haha I love this. Should be a t-shirt we all wear to therapy and psychiatrist's office. I am still dealing with a nasty side effect from more than 3 years ago, so this last round, I told the pdoc (who was, thankfully, a new one) that I wanted to have a life worth sticking around for. Fortunately, she listened and dropped some of the bs recommendations for drugs that will make you eat furniture and sleep for a month.

I will say, though, that some of the mild side effects (like drowsiness) will go away. But I hear you. Some (okay, most) of that stuff is nasty.

I hope you find a therapist that can appreciate you, not break anything and not be creepy. (I know that feeling, too.)

[RedBarchetta]

Well - drowsiness is about the least offensive and (usually) the easiest to counter - most of the time coffee dose fix that - but there have been a few - not that I know much about it other than it's a very potent stimulant, but I swear I don't think meth would have countered it! It's mostly all the other stuff that gets me........

It's a actionable offense here in the US if a medical doctor, psychiatrist, mental health professional , physician's assistant, nurse's assistant, nurse, nurse's aide/assistant , educator, and/or any individual handling medical/psychological information about a person breaches that person's medical/emotional health information. HIPAA laws are pretty specific.

HOWEVER, if one of those individual's suspect that the client is a threat to themselves or another person, they are obligated by law to report this action to the proper authorities. He/she has NO choice. If they don't report, he/she can lose their license. I'd like to say that I agree that if one doesn't agree with this law that he/she should ignore or boycott it . .. reality? Who can afford to walk away from their career? I know that I couldn't.

AND if the person suspects that the client is a possible victim of abuse/domestic violence or a possible threat to commit homicide or physical/sexual/emotional abuse on someone else, they are obligated by law to report their suspicions.

And if the person suspects that the client might possibly commit physical/bodily harm to themselves (ie. suicide), than he/she is obligated by law to report his/her suspicions to the proper authorities. Even when mental health workers do this, it is often ignored--read about the psychiatrist who was treating the shooter in the Auora CO spree shooting.

AND if the person suspects that the client might know about or perpetrate sexual, physical or emotional abuse on a minor, than he/she is obligated to report this.

I GET the PARANOIA. I resented and felt deep deep anger at my friends and family when things got "crazy" for me in regard to my safety. I felt that it was none of their business. I resented that my primary doctor went on vacation right after I started on anti-depressants and "assigned" someone I didn't know and didn't know me to "monitor" how I was doing. But you know what? I was a danger to myself.

I RESENTED how my psychiatric notes were "open" to any and all people in my primary's office. Personally, I didn't think it was any of their business! . .. especially since I didn't mean a heck of a lot to the people in my primary's office right after I started on the anti-depressants, and then a few weeks later when they did Jack-Sh** to make things better when things went really bad! I still feel that way. I think that psychiatric notes are too open to people who HAVE NO BUSINESS SEEING THEM!

I hope you're able to find some good mental health services. I understand the paranoia you feel (been there, felt that!) but I also feel that there is a balance. I wish I could find it!

[RedBarchetta]

Bottom line - I ABSOLUTELY WILL NOT PUT UP WITH ANY DISCLOSURE TO ANYONE NOT DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN SOME SORT OF TREATMENT AND WORKING FOR ME UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES - INCLUDING BECAUSE THE LAW SAYS THEY HAVE TO - IN FACT THE STATEMENT BECAUSE IT'S THE LAW IS THE LEAST UNDERSTANDABLE ONE.
SO IF YOU CAN NOT OR WILL NOT KEEP 100% QUIET TO 100% OF THE PEOPLE (baring any of me other doctors) IN 100% OF THE CASES YOU ARE NOT THE ONE FOR ME - THAT IS ABSOLUTELY ALL THERE IS TO IT.
SO IF IT CAN NOT BE THAT WAY - THEN EVERYBODY HAS ABSOLUTELY GOT TO STOP PUSHING THE ISSUE BECAUSE THERE IS NO WAY IT'S GOING TO HAPPEN - AT LEAST NOT FOR LONG ENOUGH TO MATTER - BECAUSE I WILL DROP YOU LIKE A HOT POTATO AT THE FIRST SIGN.
AND NO TESTS AT ALL UNLESS ENVEN IF POSITIVE, IT WILL NOT PUT A RED FLAG ON ANYTHING AT ALL - AND YES THAT DOSE INCLUDE WEAPON PURCHASE.
SO IF THAT'S THE WAY IT IS FINE - BUT THEN I DO NOT WANT TO HEAR IT FROM ANYONE AT ALL FOR REFUSING TO TAKE PART IN IT - I KEEP DROPPING BECAUSE I DO NOT AGREE TO THOSE TERMS PERIOD - JUST LIKE I BRIEFLY (ABOUT 3 DAYS) HAD A FACEBOOK ACCOUNT - BUT ASKED FOR THAT TO BE DELETED BECAUSE OF THERE TERMS OF SERVICE, BUT NO ONE KEEPS BUGGING ME ABOUT THAT!
THAT IS ALSO WHY I WILL NOT SAY MUCH - NOTHING THAT IS NOT PAINFULLY OBVIOUS - SO THAT'S MY POINT JUST AS PRIVATE IN EVERY CASE AS IF I NEVER BOTHERED - AND EVERYONE STOP BUGGING ME ABOUT IT UNLESS THEY CAN SHOW ME ONE THAT WILL DO THINGS THAT WAY. THAT IS ALL THERE IS TO IT.....

Sorry I know you were just stating a fact, but that is why I really do not want to bother - but no one seems to respect that - and I have had it with that - actually more than the fact itself - they won't stop even after explaining that yes to me the absolute privatecy is actually THE most important thing to me - and I will (do) put it above health and safety - and that's the end of it....

[AllHeart]

I don't understand...therapists, doctors, medical professionals are sharing your personal information with other therapists, doctors, medical professionals and/or family members without your written consent? If so, AND you are NOT a threat to yourself or others, then why not sue? If you are a threat to yourself or others, then it's pretty out-of-line for you to expect them to risk losing their job.

Maybe I just don't quite get what is being said here. Regardless, I hope you find some relief from your anger over the situation.

[RedBarchetta]

Originally Posted by AllHeart

I don't understand...therapists, doctors, medical professionals are sharing your personal information with other therapists, doctors, medical professionals and/or family members without your written consent? If so, AND you are NOT a threat to yourself or others, then why not sue? If you are a threat to yourself or others, then it's pretty out-of-line for you to expect them to risk losing their job.

Maybe I just don't quite get what is being said here. Regardless, I hope you find some relief from your anger over the situation.

Actually, the whole story is quite long (it goes back about 25-30 years) - but I'll try to make it as brief as I can....
At that point - yes I have to admit I was a victim of someone elses actions, but I had specifically said IF it MIGHT get anyone else in any trouble at all, I absolutely did not wish to discuss it at all, I was assured that would not happen and that is THE ONLY reason I agreed to say anything at the time...Next thing I know this guy is getting arrested, and police are asking me all kinds of questions...When I refused to answer them - they got there answer anyway (real nice!) - then refusal to testify in court did not keep that from being mentioned either...After that I really never have trusted anyone, so even something like insurance knowing I refused to take some test - especially a psych one - will set me off...BECAUSE I keep thinking about I had said then I do not care if I was the victim, unless it says here I want to forget about it totally, was assured it would, and it did not - now that may be the law - but it was still trickery that got you that info, info the you would not have had if you did not - as far as I am concerned - point blank lie to me.
Now after that, no nothing has been that extreme, and if I think about it, really actually understandable - but I has point blank lied to then....And I guess never really got over that.......In fact being lied to then and still p**ses me off MORE than what that guy did to me....So even something like a test was refused coming out to anyone you kill what trust was there - and it's not much to begin with because of that.........

I'm so sorry. I've learned to pay out of pocket and look for someone who understands and values confidentiality.

[RedBarchetta]

The big problem with that is - as pointed out - I absolutely can not afford to pay for something like that out of pocket.....
And yes the reason for refusing to take some of the suggested tests is because I don't want any problems if I do wish to buy another gun, on issues with the ones I already have....
And it's not that anyone has believed anything dangerous - I just know I don't know if it's there or not, but if it is, that would red flag me on such a thing - not necessarily prevent it, but at least look a lot closer - and (you guessed it) there goes MORE of my privacy - all to get a different model of something I already (legally) have a few of anyway.......And no problem at all - I use them to shoot at paper, sometimes cans, and (actually more recently than ever before because of the price of meat compared to a bullet) some game for food - so they are not really a weapon in the true sense of the word to me - rather a tool, nothing more.

Originally Posted by RedBarchetta

. . . .
Sorry I know you were just stating a fact, but that is why I really do not want to bother - but no one seems to respect that - and I have had it with that - actually more than the fact itself - they won't stop even after explaining that yes to me the absolute privatecy is actually THE most important thing to me - and I will (do) put it above health and safety - and that's the end of it....

I do understand your adamant protection of your privacy. I feel the same way. But because I want privacy doesn't mean that I get to tell other people not to follow the law. What I can do is learn how to protect my privacy and still get the help I need. When a health professional (therapist, psychiatrist or primary doc) ask me a question that I want to stay private and off the record, I don't answer it or answer it in a way that maintains my privacy. For my mental health services, I go to a private therapist who has no office staff. She keeps her own records and does her own billing. This keeps the flow of information contained. But even with her, I tell her what I don't want to discuss or "get into". That's my right and she honors it.

Like you, however, I'm not in the position to pay out of pocket for services. I have to use my insurance. That makes it difficult because when I use the insurance, the insurance company is entitled to certain information: my diagnosis and my treatment plan. I've talked this over with my therapist and she it really up front with me about how brief her case notes are and what she puts down as a diagnosis (dysthymia). She's never had an insurance company call her and question her about treatment plan and/or session issues and she told me that she'd let me know if she ever got that kind of call. She was even willing to make sure she didn't call back to "chat" with them unless I was present for the call. It's a matter of finding the right treatment provider and willing to negotiate how treatment will be delivered.

I will say, however, that there is no way around the legal issues regarding the therapists need to report suicidal/homicidal or abuse issues. I know enough not to try to even negotiate that issue. If I have bad thoughts that I don't want someone reporting to anyone, I keep them to myself. It isn't fair for me to put the other person in a difficult legal position regarding their safety or others safety. You have the right to not discuss issues that you wish to keep private.

And as for the confidentiality breaches, I'd definitely talk to a law advocate to discuss whether or not you have the right proof to pursue a breach in confidentiality laws. You're entirely right when you talk about how vigilant one has to be to protect their privacy rights. Hope things work out for you.

RedB, were you a minor when the incident happened long ago? Because that would have been very different. As an adult, you will have more control over what is shared. I do hope you can find someone who will honor your confidentiality so that you can at least work out the betrayal of that original incident.

[A Red Panda]

If people are actually breaking confidentiality, then you have a right to take action against that.

If people are sharing information in ways that they are supposed to (ie. reporting things to authorities, or giving insurance companies whatever it is that they need) and you don't like that, then the onus is really on you to only share what you deem ok for people to know. It is part of their job, and nothing is making you seek help (unless it's court-ordered I suppose).

If you're worried about insurance, ask your docs what exactly they have to pass on to the insurance company. They'll be able to tell you if it's things like diagnosis or prescribed medications or what. Ask them what they share with other professionals that needs to be shared; and then you know what stuff won't stay just between the two of you and you can share information accordingly.

[RedBarchetta]

Bottom line - if you have EVER lied to or otherwise deceived ANYONE for ANY REASON and it is connected in ANY WAY to therapy (and I will check that out extremely well) I absolutely don't trust you with any info....AND that includes the under-age guy that was told everything stays in this room - only ones in that room are him and the therapists - then parents find out - I don't care under-age and the law - you simply do not say that unless it means in EVERY CASE period. NOW - if you explain that something you have to - and allow that person to totally end the conversation if the info is going to end up elsewhere without any arguments or anything (i.e. I feel it is essentially phishing for info to make statements like - "o.k., but you know this is really for your own good.", If they ever worked for any law-enforcement establishment the better not have told a suspect something like "What if I were to tell you, your buddy John said he saw you at that store at 9:00pm.", unless the suspects buddy John actually did say that.)
And that's it - any lie or deception of any kid used on anyone for any reason - and that's it...........

And the deal with medication is not limited to mental issues - I have turned down lots of medications for all kinds of things - and the two main reasons are because they ended up breaking something that was fine before taking it, or because if use is continued there is screwtiney involved that is not if I do not keep using it. So.....

That's just where it's at...

But I just don't bother (and I really do feel a lot better then - most likely because of the general dis-trust due to what happened to me - and I always seem to find at least one case where someone was lied to or otherwise deceived) - I just get pushed back in to it, because no one will shut up about it.
Shortly after....Right back in to same position because of finding that case of a lie or deception.......

Red,

Who are you writing to when you say "You?" A therapist you see or someone else?