The duration for which therapists keep records of what you say in therapy sessions can vary depending on several factors, including local laws and regulations, ethical guidelines, and the specific practices of the therapist or therapy organization. Here are some general guidelines:
Legal requirements: In many jurisdictions, mental health professionals are required to maintain records for a certain period of time as mandated by local laws. These requirements may differ from one country or state to another.
Ethical guidelines: Professional organizations, such as the American Psychological Association (APA) or the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), provide ethical guidelines for therapists. These guidelines often include recommendations on record-keeping and confidentiality.
Insurance and billing purposes: Therapists may also keep records to manage billing, insurance claims, and other administrative purposes. In such cases, they might retain records for a specific period to comply with insurance requirements.
Individual therapist policies: Therapists may have their own internal policies on record-keeping. Some may choose to keep records for a few years, while others might maintain them for a more extended period.
Typically, therapy records are kept for a minimum of 5-7 years, but it can be longer depending on the factors mentioned above. However, it's important to remember that therapists have a legal and ethical obligation to safeguard the confidentiality of your personal information.
If you have concerns about how long your therapist will keep your records, it is best to discuss this with them directly. They can provide you with more specific information based on their professional practices and the regulations in your area.