In the United States, a person generally cannot directly reach out to a family member's therapist to provide information without the family member's explicit consent, as this would likely violate the principles of patient confidentiality and privacy protected by law. Therapists are bound by ethical and legal obligations to maintain the confidentiality of their clients' information.
Therapists are required to obtain informed consent from their clients before discussing or disclosing any information about them to third parties, including family members. Without the client's consent, the therapist cannot share any information about the treatment or progress of the family member in therapy.
If a situation arises where you believe that sharing information with the therapist could be beneficial for the family member's treatment, it is crucial to communicate this with the family member first. It may be helpful to approach the conversation with empathy and understanding, expressing your concern for their well-being and the intention to assist in their treatment journey. If the family member agrees, they can then provide the therapist with the necessary consent to involve you in the therapeutic process.
If speaking directly to the family member is difficult or leads to conflict, you may consider encouraging them to discuss your involvement with their therapist during one of their therapy sessions. Therapists can then explore the possibility of family involvement if it is deemed helpful and appropriate for the individual's treatment.
Remember that every situation is unique, and it is essential to respect the privacy and autonomy of the individual seeking therapy while trying to offer support in the most appropriate and ethical way.