Is therapist required to report cutting?

[jamdoughnut]

If I say that I'm recently cutting, are they required to tell my parents? They know that there is history with it, but they do not know that it has come up again recently. And even if they aren't required to, are they likely to tell someone about it?

My therapist always tell me everything is confidental unless I'm a danger to myself or others. They don't have to report cutting. Well at least none of mine did unless it was really bad. I think you should be fine.

I would def tell them though. Because you need someone to talk to

[Not_here]

Sometimes the therapist would ask to see the cuts and if they need medical attention that would be a reason to get you that kind of help and in doing so, may have to tell your parents. Also I'm not sure what is done if you're under 16 years old. But maybe you can ask her what the rules are for her to break confidentiality? I know that sounds counter intuitive because she might get suspicious but I've asked for a reminder in the past when feeling suicidal to know if they'd call the hospital based on what I said (after being hospitalized and developing a fear it will happen again) and they answered my question.

[hocus pocus]

It probably differs depending on where you are, but with my experience, therapists are required to tell your parents (if you are under eighteen) about your self-harm if they don't already know about it. My parents already knew about mine so my therapist keeps everything confidential. A therapist usually won't tell the parents anything else outside of that initial time but it depends on your therapist.

You could always ask your therapist what their confidentiality policies are, but if you're uncomfortable with that, you could talk about a "friend" in a similar situation and see what they have to say. I've done that in therapy a few times and I have found it helpful.

[Palmolive]

Hello

Thanks for coming to us here. I think it's great that you want to talk to your therapist about all of this but can understand your concerns about it too.

Where I live, when I was under eighteen, my therapist would have told my parents about my self harm in your kind of situation. My parents were already aware it was going on though so it didn't come as a surprise. Maybe you could talk to your therapist about their confidentiality rules? Because I really want to encourage you to talk about it so you can get further help with it. You don't deserve to go through this alone.

If you ever need to talk then please k ow we're always here. Don't be alone.
Jessie

[Green Yoshi]

I think that it's better if you tell her that you want it confidential, because letting your parents know might make them feel worse, which might also lead to more pressure on your shoulders. I too wanna encourage you to talk about it because the more you talk to people about what you're going through, the more feedback you'll get regarding your problem and you'll know how to overcome it.

We're all always here for you.. If you want a friend or just someone to talk to, feel free to talk to me.