How to Find Mental Health Care When You’re Concerned About Privacy
By Ambreia Meadows-Fernandez
When a mental health challenge is severe or long-lasting, it can be helpful to speak to a licensed mental health professional. But if you have concerns about privacy, you may feel intimidated or doubtful about seeking help.
You are certainly not alone in these feelings. Many young people have concerns around trust, privacy, and disclosure when it comes to mental health care, and Black and African American teens in particular tend to say that reaching out for help will escalate the situation in ways they’re not comfortable with. Contributing to that sense of distrust, the Black community often experiences discrimination and bias in health-care settings.
You deserve mental health care that is responsive to your needs, honors your trust, and affirms your identity. Use these tips to find mental health care that checks those boxes and reduces worries about privacy.
Read Up on Your Rights
Before seeking care, it may help you feel more at ease to know your privacy and confidentiality rights. You can learn more from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and JED’s explainer on mental health and privacy.
To sum it up, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, known as HIPAA, was passed in 1996 and established a national standard to protect individuals’ health information and medical records. Therapists are required to follow HIPAA and, in general, will never disclose what you share in your sessions to anyone without your permission.
Licensed mental health professionals also have a duty to warn in specific situations, however, which means they may share information without your consent if you or someone else is in danger. Your provider may share information if:
- You disclose plans to physically harm yourself or someone else
- You are experiencing domestic violence, abuse, or neglect
- They receive a court order to disclose information
Unless there is a special circumstance, you can feel assured that your provider will keep your sessions private.
Look for a Provider Who Affirms Your Identity
Working with a therapist who validates who you are — because they have a deep understanding of (or share) your identity and culture — may help alleviate concerns around privacy. They are more likely to understand where your concerns come from and may have gone through a similar experience themselves.
When seeking a provider who will validate you, think about what makes you feel safe and affirmed in your culture, gender, sexuality, race, or other aspects of your identity. Then write it down.
You can also take this time to think through other things you want in a therapist. You may want to work with someone who uses humor to support clients or who has a certain skill set, such as a specialization in trauma recovery. Write down those things, too, and use your list to guide your search. If you find a therapist who checks off most or all of the things on your list, it may indicate they will help you feel safe in session.
Learn more about mental health warning signs and when to ask for help and how to get help.
Schedule a Consult Call and Ask About Privacy
Most therapists will offer to do a free consult call before you book a full session with them. This is your chance to get to know them and see if you feel comfortable talking with them. It can take some time to open up to a therapist, but you can get a sense if you get along or if you just don’t mesh.
During the call, the provider will share information about their background; the type of therapy, or “modality,” they use; what they specialize in; and other details. You will also have the chance to ask questions, including questions about privacy and confidentiality. A quality therapist will be transparent about their specific confidentiality and privacy practices.
You may ask:
- Who has access to information I share in session?
- Do you host your sessions in person or virtually? How can I be sure it’s private?
- In what situations would you get in touch with my parents or caregivers?
- What is your process if a client is in crisis? Who do you inform and how do you get in touch with them?
Try your best not to feel discouraged if you don’t click with the first therapist you talk to. It may help you stay positive and more open to the experience if you look at therapy as a sort of experiment in which you test whether it is right for you. Remember that you are not required to stick with therapy if it doesn’t work or continue seeing a therapist if you don’t feel safe or aligned in session.
Lean on Your Network
If someone you trust has had a positive therapy experience, you can ask them for a recommendation. They may also have advice about getting the most out of your sessions and how to get comfortable opening up to your provider.
You can also turn to resources such as Black Men Heal, Therapy for Black Kids, and the National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network for resources and support that speak to your identity and experiences.
Use Online Resources
Online support groups are another great way to get mental health support, and some may allow you to join anonymously or with only a few details about yourself. Check out support groups through the National Alliance for Mental Illness and the Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective.
Your concerns about privacy are valid, but so is your need to support your mental health. By getting familiar with your rights and finding a provider and type of care that’s a good fit, you can be your own strongest advocate and begin to feel more at ease, validated, and safe.
Learn More About Protecting Your Privacy and Getting Support
How to Find a Culturally Competent Therapist
8 Ways to Take Care of Yourself When You’re Waiting for Mental Health Care
Understanding Health Insurance for Young Adults
Getting Mental Health Support in Black Families
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