Yes, it is entirely normal and common for a therapist to state that they cannot diagnose someone who is not their patient or client. Therapists are bound by ethical and legal guidelines that govern their professional practice, and diagnosing individuals whom they have not personally assessed is generally considered unethical and beyond their scope of responsibility.
Here are some reasons why therapists may refrain from diagnosing individuals who are not their clients:
Lack of Information: A therapist can only diagnose someone after conducting a thorough assessment and gathering relevant information about the individual's history, symptoms, and current functioning. Without this firsthand knowledge, making a diagnosis would be inappropriate and potentially inaccurate.
Confidentiality: A therapist has a duty to maintain strict confidentiality with their clients. Diagnosing someone without their consent would violate this confidentiality principle.
Objectivity and Bias: If a therapist has a personal relationship with the individual in question, their objectivity could be compromised, potentially leading to biased or inaccurate conclusions.
Scope of Practice: Diagnosing individuals outside of the therapeutic relationship may be beyond the therapist's professional scope of practice, especially if they do not have the necessary expertise or training to assess individuals outside of a therapeutic context.
If you are concerned about someone's mental health or well-being, and they are not willing to seek therapy themselves, you can encourage them to reach out to a mental health professional for an assessment. However, the decision to seek help ultimately lies with the individual, and you should respect their autonomy in this matter.
If you believe the person is in immediate danger or poses a risk to themselves or others, you can consider contacting emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline for guidance. They can provide support and direct you to appropriate resources.