what the school counselor has to reveal under the law?
i know i'm mentally unstable sometimes and i am self-destructive. i am trying to fix myself up and am considering going to my school counselor [high school in australia]. but i do not under ANY circumstances, want my mum to find out [single parent - dad is alive still, found out two years ago - i think he's mental too ] so i want to know what my school counselor will have to [under the law] tell my parents about: - self-harming - occasionally throwing up my food [not a ED reaction - more a when my mum yells at me and i just ate/am eating, i stop and have a "shower" to puke] - continual use of diet pills [ED-related] - skipping school and forging notes - depression would it be better to talk about skipping school with the police liaison officer [i got her mobile number when i ran away last time]? would she tell my mum? thanks everybody
Mental Health - 8 Answers
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1 :
she wont reveal anything its ok talk to her itll do u good,good luck
2 :
In America the counselor should tell you in the beginning what he/she must reveal under law. If you want to be positively sure what he/she will say to your mom go to the counselor let her/him know that you want to speak with her but before you can do this ask him/her what type of things under law is he/she required to tell your mom. If you know you need help you should see your counselor. It's better to get help then to let things get worse. Your mom may get upset over certain things but she will be relieved that you know you have problems and your seeking help.
3 :
It's different in every country, but they are bound to release information regarding you hurting other people or the chance of you causing harm to yourself. The best answer is to ask the counselor.
4 :
I am Australian. In Australian Law and Ethics anything revealed in a confidential setting, such as your Councellors office, CAN NOT LEGALLY BE TOLD to your parents. Even if you are under 16 years of age. BUT....... She will try and persude you to bring your parents up to speed on what you are doing as you are a risk to yourself and potentially others. But she can not go behind your back, without your permsssion and reveal these things. But be prepared for the almighty push. As it's best they are involved in your mental care. Also she can however breach confidenliity laws if you are at such a risk to your health, body, mental health, life and others. She is then bound under Mandatory Reporting Laws. AGAIN SHE CAN NOT REPORT THESE THINGS TO YOUR PARENTS WITHOUT YOUR PERMISSION. But CAN INVOLVE DHS or Psych services without your permission. I suggest going and asking her how she would react under circumstances where you were to reveal self harm issue and a potential eating disorder? See what she says and weigh it up. Is it worth it? What was her answer? Was she genuine? Do you think you can be open with her and trust her? Then it's up to you. Go with your gut. It's usually right. You sound as if you are an incredible amount of stress. I feel for you as my high school days pushed me to all of what you are doing, except skipping school and forging notes. And pushed me over the edge at one point for many years to come. Now I help others in difficult physical and mental jams. E-mail me if you want to atlk or ask more questions.
5 :
I don't know what the laws are in Australia but I think you should tell your parent about your problems and they will get you the help you need. You have to think about what you are doing to yourself and eventually your family and friends and in the long run it isn't worth it. You not only hurt yourself but those who love and care for you too. Here in the US counselors are mandated to at least tell parents about problems their children are having that are harmful to them. Please talk to your parents! Good luck!
6 :
1) If you are potentially a danger to yourself, or others, your counselor is required to report it, but not to your parents. 2) See Bulimia, self harm, and depression treatments, at http://www.ezy-build.net. (.net.nz/~shaneris) on pages 39, 16, 2, and http://www.webhealth.com/wiki/EatingDisorders and http://emotionalhealth.ivillage.com/ Diet pills can be highly addictive. DIETING: Go to: h t t p : / / c h o o s e d i e t . b l o g s p o t . c o m and select one, possibly changing later. Eat 6 - 8 small meals daily, with a little protein in each, preceded 20 minutes earlier with a large glass of water, (drink at least 10 large glasses [250 ml] daily) and snack on as many celery sticks as you like, with the occasional carrot stick, or slices of cucumber and/or tomato in any vinegar desired (no oil!). Also see http://www.ediets.com and subscribe to their email newsletter. Slowly work up to 30 - 60 minutes of brisk walking, daily, possibly doing other exercises at home as well, as you are listening to music, or watching television, like bending and stretching exercises, Tai Chi, (see page 2: ezy-build) Pilates, or pump iron. Many overweight people use food in an attempt to fill an emotional void, which is unhealthy, and ultimately futile. See http://www.foodaddiction.com and http://www.oa.org/ Others eat out of boredom, so find other things that you enjoy, or are interested in, so that boredom is no longer part of your life. Analyse your nutritional type, at www.mercola.com (use their taskbar: enter "nutritional type") and modify your diet accordingly. See your doctor: show your scars, and ask for a referral: get the therapist to talk to the Police Liason Officer, and I advise family therapy, where both you and your mother attend, and have your say, moderated by the therapist, and hopefully reaching some resolution. [GO, THE POWER!!!: GO: THE EELS!!!].
7 :
I don't know about Australia, but in America, they would have to tell. You're under 18 and on top of which your doing yourself harm. In the US, a counselor is supposed to reveal if the patient is causing others or themselves harm. Also, it has been my experience that school counselors can't always be trusted, and don't operate inside technical rules, especially since the don't think the kids can or will do anything.
8 :
lots of excellent answers already,... remember, all teachers-counselors-administrators are mandated reporters, they have a legal and moral obligation to keep you from harm (from others or yourself). keep this in mind; "you are only as sick as your secrets". better to get help than to continue swirling downn the toilet.
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