Accessing your psychological records
Find a Conversation
Accessing your psychological records
| Mon, 10-30-2006 - 1:26pm |
Have you ever requested to see copies of your therapist's notes? Was it beneficial to you? Do you wish you had never seen them?
Part of me is really, really curious--but the other part of me is saying that this is a potential Pandora's box best left alone as it would be really hard for me to read anything negative about myself.
If you're switching therapists, should you request your records be sent to the new therapist? Or do they generally like to start fresh with no preconceived notions about patients?
Or if you're switching therapists but staying within the same practice, would the therapist get the records anyway? It seems like they would remain confidential unless released by me, but I don't know.


Although people can requisistion their records, what the *T* has written belongs to her. They are her notes. Since they might be upsetting to you, why would you want to read them? Noone wants to see themselves warts & all. Your private thoughts & feelings will remain private. You will probably receive only a summary of your visits. Dates, times, meds, any treatments, tests, etc. In fact, many times your records are sent to the next *T* or the dr. & you will never really have them in hand. But, that is totally up to you if you want the records sent. That has been my experience personally, as well as having worked in psych hospitals & centers.
You will have to ask the practice what their policies are. With the new HIPAA regs things are very strict. (((hugs))) jan
Sheri Ann
Since they might be upsetting to you, why would you want to read them
*****
Oh, I don't know. I'm a glutton for punishment, I suppose. I doubt very highly that I'll ask for any records.
Makes sense. That's what I thought.
One time when my surgeon was out of the room, I had waaaay too much time on my hands & decided to read my chart. In the history it stated, "this 49 year old astute, white female, well known to me presented with classic symptoms of gallbladder disease." I had worked with this man for many years. In fact, I