In general, therapists and mental health professionals are bound by strict confidentiality and privacy laws that govern the disclosure and sharing of a client's information, including therapy notes. These laws vary depending on the country and state/province, so it's essential to understand the regulations in your specific jurisdiction.
In many places, therapy notes are considered highly confidential and are not typically shared with other therapists or professionals without the explicit consent of the client. When you switch therapists or seek treatment from a new mental health professional, your previous therapist cannot automatically share your therapy notes with the new therapist.
However, there are some exceptions where therapists may be required to share information without your consent:
Legal Obligations: Therapists may be legally obligated to disclose certain information if there is a court order or a legal requirement to do so.
Protection of Life: If there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, therapists may have a duty to take appropriate actions, which could include sharing information with relevant parties (e.g., emergency contacts, healthcare providers).
Supervision or Consultation: Therapists may share anonymized or de-identified information with their supervisors or colleagues during professional supervision or consultation to ensure the quality of care.
It's important to discuss confidentiality and the handling of therapy notes with your therapist early in the therapeutic relationship. If you want your new therapist to have access to information from your previous therapy, you can provide written consent to release specific information. However, keep in mind that sharing such information is entirely at your discretion, and you have the right to maintain the confidentiality of your therapy sessions.
If you have concerns or questions about the confidentiality of your therapy sessions or the handling of your information, it's best to address them directly with your therapist to ensure you are well-informed and comfortable with the process.