Posted by Racer on February 2, 2006, at 13:34:38
In reply to She HAS MY FILE, help!!!!, posted by B2chica on February 2, 2006, at 8:58:42
I, too, would be absolutely LIVID. And that sounds as though she may have some pretty heavy problems of her own, too, if she had your file on her desk even knowing that you'd specifically asked that this be a fresh start. That sounds like baiting.
Also, that you feel as hough she's trying to say what you want to hear, rather than being genuine -- no wonder you don't trust her. (I had that: An intern asked me what she had to do to make me trust her? Uh, if I have to tell you how to do it, then I *can't* trust you...)
As for HIPAA, I think if they're in the same practice, it might be different -- and I think it's also different if either is an intern. (Dunno your situation.) I would say, though, that HIPAA really doesn't matter nearly as much as the fact that they would not respect your wishes in this matter. Now, I can understand why she wanted your file, and just from reading your posts I would bet that she's already read that file, and had read a good bit of it before your first session, but you had specifically requested that you be seen without her having your file.
And don't pay much attention to me -- I've had some bad experiences, and so I am very suspicious about therapists.
The bottom line that I see, though -- and I don't say that it is valid at all -- is that you've gotten off to a very, very bad start, and you're gonna have such an uphill battle to get anywhere towards trusting her, that I would probably request another transfer. Ask for another therapist in the same practice, or just go elsewhere. Within the same practice, they may not need a signed release. That's something you can check out. But outside that practice, there's no question.
If you have any trouble getting a transfer within the practice, or there are problems with the center itself and you have to stay with them anyway, babblemail me and I'll tell you more about my story with that.
Best luck, and I'm both sorry that this happened to you and furious on your behalf.
poster:Racer
thread:605422
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20060131/msgs/605498.html