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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Pandabear on January 22, 2004, at 22:01:47
Does anyone know what the policy is regarding getting your progress notes from your therapist to have on file at home? I know places differ but, are therapists usually ok with providing copies of the notes to the patient? Fill me in if you dont mind...thanks!
Posted by Dinah on January 22, 2004, at 22:06:38
In reply to Obtaining copies of records from therapy??, posted by Pandabear on January 22, 2004, at 22:01:47
My understanding is that in most states they have to provide copies of your records unless they can prove it would be harmful to you. But if they keep *separate* progress notes, that is their work product and they don't have to share it. So therapists who want to keep their progress notes private are urged to keep them completely separate.
Separate from what I don't remember. I just remember reading that and being annoyed. I may not want to look at what my therapist writes about me. But I want to know that I can if I'd like.
OTOH, I have always requested my records when I leave someplace. And the records they've provided look like the complete and total records to me.
Posted by gardenergirl on January 22, 2004, at 23:38:20
In reply to Re: Obtaining copies of records from therapy?? » Pandabear, posted by Dinah on January 22, 2004, at 22:06:38
Dinah's right. It depends on the state law. Psychology ethics also say that the T should make the records available upon the request of the client. How this is interpreted can vary. Some will go over the records with you to answer any questions you may have and to clarify anything that may seem confusing or hurtful.
Also, the process notes that some T's keep separate may or may not be included. Also depends on state law and how it is intrepreted. Not all T's keep separate notes, however. In my training, I tend not to as it is just too much to keep track of. I tend to avoid writing a lot of revealing content in my notes because I am mindful that others, including third party payors or other administrative people may have access to the chart and it's no one's business what my client specifically said.
Hope this helps,
gg
Posted by fallsfall on January 23, 2004, at 8:46:21
In reply to Obtaining copies of records from therapy??, posted by Pandabear on January 22, 2004, at 22:01:47
I have heard that it can be wise to have a therapist with you when you read the chart, so that they can explain things to you. What they write can be very dry and clinical, and if you have been agonizing over something it can be upsetting to see it reported so clinically. That doesn't mean that the therapist didn't understand your agony, but their job is to be clinical.
I'm trying to figure out how and where I can store records from my 8 1/2 years with my first therapist (we were on folder 13, I think). I want to have access to them - mostly so that I can give them to a future therapist if they want to see them - but I don't want it to be easy for me to read them.
I was in therapy when I was in 5th grade. When I reentered therapy at age 38, my therapist wanted to know what and why etc. was going on in 5th grade. I didn't know. My therapist had retired and burned her records (I did contact her on the phone), my pediatrician had a note that I was seeing the therapist, but no details about what went on. This is why I want access to my records.
But do handle them with care.
Posted by judy1 on January 24, 2004, at 14:17:23
In reply to Obtaining copies of records from therapy??, posted by Pandabear on January 22, 2004, at 22:01:47
my ex-pdoc provided them to my new pdoc who then went over them with me (both did therapy). it was expressed that for me to see them would be detrimental w/o a professional doing the 'interpretation'. in retrospect, I agree. my state (CA) has a law that all medical records (including psych) must be made available to the client. if that's the case where you live, then I suggest you have your therp (or another) go over them with you- judy
Posted by Pandabear on January 24, 2004, at 16:49:55
In reply to Re: Obtaining copies of records from therapy?? » Pandabear, posted by judy1 on January 24, 2004, at 14:17:23
I talked to my psychiatrist that said that it wouldnt be in my best interest since I am a worrier and obsessive...but to ask my therapist what she thinks and if she is against it...just to talk to her about what im curious about...so thats what im going to do...but I wish that I could have them ...i just wanted to see how much ive improved....oh well...:)
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