Confidentiality for seeing an outside mental health professional?

[pinkyj731]

Hi,
I was wondering if one is currently in a residency program and needs to see a Psychiatrist for management of depression, what are the HIPAA guidelines if the resident sees an outside Psychiatrist (not affiliated with the institution)? I already have a PCP for my medication but for therapy I would like to see a psychotherapist or a psychiatrist for a more accurate diagnosis. I just don't want my program to find out or for my information to be leaked out in anyway.

Thanks

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[milesed]

It's covered like any other mental health visit. They can only release info to your program if you allow it (barring a serious threat).

 

[HarryMTieboutMD]

Your program does NOT need to know about your issues provided they are addressed and you can function as a resident. State licensure questions can vary, though so I would look into that (and use a lawyer to help answer them because some of them are, well, written by lawyers...). As for actual care, I would seek a private person in network not on faculty. Again, your program does NOT need to know your personal business if you are a competent and functional resident.

 

[digitlnoize]

I knew a bunch of people who sought out therapy during 3rd year. It used to be common (even required, I believe) for psych residents to undergo psychoanalysis. Now, of course, if you seek out therapy, HIPAA protects you, but if they found out (you run into a nurse or attending at the office, or something), just play it off like you're dong it for educational purposes. They don't have to know. Also, you might have to tell them in order to get time off for appointments every week. I don't know how you'd manage to get time off between 8-5 M-F otherwise...

 

[Crayola227]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/things-to-do-to-shine-in-pgy-1.1188633/#post-17640862

This is my intern megapost. You likely don't need all the links, but here is a section about mental health and disabilities that might help you navigate the best course of action.

The SDN search function, using my name, and mental health, might pop up more for you as well.

Best of luck