Question about psychologists and confidentiality

Susu. · 19-10-2010, 11:22 PM

So today i went and saw a psychologist at my uni for the first time. He did the whole "we're a confidential service however there are two exceptions to this - suicidal idealation and sexual abuse" and all that. Then he asked me something and in my head my reply was that this world would be better off without me anyway - a thought that i've been having. But i didn't say it because i was scared he'd latch onto that and probe more into what i mean... so basically my question is what happens if someone does admit that they've been thinking those things to a psychologist? What does the 'breach of confidentiality' mean and what course of action is likely to be taken? Am i just being silly when sectioning jumps to mind?
I'm in Ireland if that helps at all.

PaleMoon · 20-10-2010, 01:02 AM

Well, from what I know of the whole confidentiality thing, the psychologist wouldn't feel a need to section you, at least.

What they mean by suicidal ideation is that you have a plan, the means, and the intent to kill yourself. If you simply have suicidal thoughts, it's a serious thing, but they're just thoughts.

The psychologist will probably want to know if you have a plan or the means, but once it's established that you don't, then the next step is to deal with those thoughts, because they can't be fun.

I hope you get a lot out of your sessions with the psychologist :).

random.swirls · 20-10-2010, 01:44 AM

Pale moon has basically said it all - they aren't going to put you in hospital if you admit to suicidal ideation but hopefully they can work with you so you can move on from it.

Good luck with your sessions I hope it helps

beautiful_seclusion · 20-10-2010, 04:18 AM

Yeah you have to have a specific plan and the plan to go through with it for them to force you into the hospital. You couldn't work on suicidal thoughts if you got forced into the hospital every time you felt that way. Being honest is your best bet, you deserve to get better.

sherlock holmes · 20-10-2010, 05:25 PM

Agree with everyone that has posted. Unless you have a specific plan, time etc then he will not have to break confidentiality.

Susu. · 21-10-2010, 12:33 AM

thanks for putting my mind at rest guys :)

Soviette · 21-10-2010, 04:03 AM

Well if he does breach confidentiality, it doesn't neccessarily mean that you will be sectioned. Only two doctors and a social worker (in most cases) can do that, and a psychologist is neither a doctor or a social worker. However from what I've been told, they will either get in touch with your mental health team, social services or if it's directly urgent - the Police and/or Ambulance Service, but the result at the end is the same. You'll just have a mental health assessment and either be kept or advised to stay in a so-called Place of Safety.

But. They tend to try avoiding putting people in hospital these days, especially under a Section of the Mental Health Act. So if he does ever have to breach confidentiality, that doesn't mean you'll be sectioned still. If you were to comply with treatment/help offered to you, you will most likely get community treatment or at the very most, asked to stay in a hospital for 2-4 days.

EDIT - I just read the part where you said you were Ireland. Silly me. I have no idea how the laws work there in regards to mental health, but I've heard it's even more difficult to get sectioned there.. could be wrong, though.

Mrs Sam · 22-10-2010, 12:38 PM

everytime confidentiality has been broken for me its been because i've been a pretty serious risk to myself. usually talking about feeling suicidal isn't enough to do that. however, even if they do break confidentiality it won't mean sectioning. it would probably just mean the psychologist would want to contact your doctor to let them know the situation and that is that.

xxx