In general, therapists and counselors do not have access to your medical records, including your mental health history, hospitalizations, diagnosis, and medication history, unless you explicitly provide them with the information or give consent to access such records.
Therapists and counselors are bound by strict confidentiality and privacy laws that protect your personal health information. They are not allowed to access your medical records without your permission, even if you are seeing them for mental health-related concerns.
However, there are a few exceptions where therapists may have access to certain information:
Informed consent: If you decide to share your medical records with your therapist voluntarily, they may have access to the information you provide.
Collaboration with other healthcare providers: In some cases, with your explicit consent, therapists may communicate and collaborate with other healthcare providers involved in your treatment, which could include sharing relevant medical information.
Court orders or legal requirements: Therapists may be required to disclose information in response to a court order or other legal obligations.
Duty to warn and protect: In some jurisdictions, therapists have a duty to protect you or others from harm. If there is a serious and imminent risk of harm, they may be obligated to take appropriate actions, which could involve sharing information with relevant authorities or individuals.
It's essential to discuss confidentiality and privacy practices with your therapist or counselor at the beginning of your sessions to understand how your information will be handled and what exceptions may apply in your specific situation. Being open and honest with your therapist about your medical history can also help them better understand and address your mental health concerns effectively.