In most cases, a psychologist should not contact your family members to interview them about your behavior without your knowledge or consent. The principles of confidentiality and informed consent are fundamental ethical considerations in the field of psychology and mental health.
Confidentiality: Psychologists are bound by professional and legal obligations to protect the confidentiality of their clients' information. This means that they cannot disclose any information about you or your treatment without your explicit consent, except in certain specific circumstances where there is a duty to warn or protect you or others from harm.
Informed Consent: Before beginning therapy or any psychological assessment, psychologists typically obtain informed consent from their clients. Informed consent involves providing clients with relevant information about the therapeutic process, potential risks and benefits, confidentiality policies, and the rights and responsibilities of both the client and the psychologist. With this information, clients can make an informed decision about whether they want to proceed with the therapy or assessment.
Exceptions: There may be some exceptions to confidentiality and informed consent. For example, if a psychologist believes that you may harm yourself or others, they may need to take action to ensure safety, which could include contacting family members or other relevant parties. Additionally, if you are a minor, the rules regarding confidentiality and consent may differ, and parents or legal guardians may be involved in the process.
However, as a general rule, a psychologist should not initiate contact with your family members to interview them about your behavior without consulting with you first or obtaining your consent, except in specific situations where there are legal or ethical obligations to do so. If you have concerns about your privacy or any actions taken by your psychologist, it's essential to discuss these concerns openly with them or seek guidance from a professional regulatory body or an ethics committee.