Counseling- Legal question?

[Anxious_Panda]

I've been seeing the same counselor for the better part of a decade on and off. They're amazing, no hate, and have helped me through so much. But obviously, I'm on here for a reason. My question is, if I CBT while under the care of said counselor, are there legal ramifications for them? If there's no treatment notes or conversations on SI and CTB? The last thing I want to do is affect them or their practice on my account. Any thoughts? (United States if it means anything)

 

[wljourney]

I've been seeing the same counselor for the better part of a decade on and off. They're amazing, no hate, and have helped me through so much. But obviously, I'm on here for a reason. My question is, if I CBT while under the care of said counselor, are there legal ramifications for them? If there's no treatment notes or conversations on SI and CTB? The last thing I want to do is affect them or their practice on my account. Any thoughts? (United States if it means anything)

No, they are not held accountable for what you do without their knowledge.

Even if you did mention CTB in your sessions they would do a risk analysis, checking if you have a plan, have the means and are a harm to yourself or others.
If at that point in time the professional opinion is that you are not at immediate risk, they won't get in trouble even if you do CTB at a later point.

I mean, I wouldn't CTB immediately after a session (same day/next day). That could raise questions.

But since a patient's situation can change within a few days your counselor wouldn't be expected to foresee this.

 

[Anxious_Panda]

No, they are not held accountable for what you do without their knowledge.

Even if you did mention CTB in your sessions they would do a risk analysis, checking if you have a plan, have the means and are a harm to yourself or others.
If at that point in time the professional opinion is that you are not at immediate risk, they won't get in trouble even if you do CTB at a later point.

I mean, I wouldn't CTB immediately after a session (same day/next day). That could raise questions.

But since a patient's situation can change within a few days your counselor wouldn't be expected to foresee this.

Thank you. Much appreciated. <3