Can the psychiatrist tell my parents?

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I am going to see my old psychiatrist soon. I need sleeping pills but in order for him to know my true condition he needs to know that my dad used to beat me a lot growing up. And the flash backs are why i cant sleep.

The problem is my dad goes to this doctor from time to time, and so does my mom. i am 23 , so i am not a minor. can he legally tell my parents that i told about the abuse?

I got kicked out for talking about the abuse last time, and i cant afford that now. so i need to be sure i can talk to him without him telling my mom or dad.

I live in Florida. what are the laws about this in my state?

I'm pretty sure he can't tell unless you give consent. Though... I think he also can't keep quiet about child abuse cases; he's required to step in. Is it still ongoing?

I don't think so... but I'll actually know for sure tomorrow, if I can remember...

They can't break confidentiality unless you're a threat to your safety, a threat to someone else, are being physically hurt, doing something illegal, or know someone is in harm or potentially going to be in harm (example: sibling is getting heavily abused or serious threats are being made). They must also report dependent adult and elder [physical] abuse, but I don't know how they treat mental verbal abuse.

When I was younger and told the psychologist my issues, I told her about something that USED TO happen and they still sent CPS (child protective services) to my house. I would never normally suggest someone to hide their true problems when seeing a therapist/psychologist/psychiatrist/mental health professional/any staff at that office, but in this case I really would wait until those five months are over (if you won't have any other place to stay). Sometimes (to them) "used to" can be code for "it's still happening but for one reason or another I can't tell you that." You might also be much safer if you wait to tell them once you are out of the environment where you were harmed in the first place. Wishing you the best.

You're safe to tell him. He can't tell CPS (it's not their problem anyway) and he can't tell your parents.

No, it would be illegal. You're an adult now and you have the final say.

I think i will tell him. as long as he cant tell my parents.

I told my old therapist and she didn't call the authority's so i think i am safe in that respect.

Thanks for the info everyone!! !

blessings and good health to you all!

no, he can't, but I've had bad experience 'trusting' psychiatrists. Remember they are just people and all though they are not allowed to mention anything that's been said during your conversations they may do so unintentionally. My psych held a presentation about aspergers for my father (which was embarassing and stigmatzing on it's own) and then blurted out with something that I thought to be confidential. Judging from her reaction afterwards, she wasn't aware of her screw up. This is why I have a hard time trusting people, as allthough they might try to keep things a secret they eventually screw up because secrecy and discretion dosen't mean that much to them. Also they feel an urge to talk about everything. What's even more disturbing/funny is when my psychiatrist asked if the fan/background noise and light had made me nervous during the presentation. I should have said something along the lines of "Oh yeah, I didn't mind you breaking your oath and being awfully demeaning and stigmatizing during your speech - the background noise sure was worse *duh*"