Hey everyone, I’m a grad student dealing with a strange situation. My advisor, Ms. L, reached out to my therapist, Ms. S, and tried to get info from my counseling sessions. She claimed I had given her permission, which is totally untrue. I’m really uncomfortable with this and wondering if this breaks any privacy rules? I thought therapy records were protected. Any advice?
Yikes! That’s definitely crossing a line. Therapy records are protected by HIPAA, so your therapist can’t legally share anything without your permission.
Finnley said:
Yikes! That’s definitely crossing a line. Therapy records are protected by HIPAA, so your therapist can’t legally share anything without your permission.
Thanks, that’s what I was thinking. I’ll remind my therapist not to share anything without my OK.
Finnley said:
Yikes! That’s definitely crossing a line. Therapy records are protected by HIPAA, so your therapist can’t legally share anything without your permission.
Good idea! It’s pretty bold of your advisor to even ask.
Unfortunately, FERPA doesn’t cover therapy records since they aren’t educational. But HIPAA should prevent anyone from accessing them without permission.
Casey said:
Unfortunately, FERPA doesn’t cover therapy records since they aren’t educational. But HIPAA should prevent anyone from accessing them without permission.
Yeah, I figured FERPA wouldn’t apply here, but it’s good to confirm. Thanks!
Casey said:
Unfortunately, FERPA doesn’t cover therapy records since they aren’t educational. But HIPAA should prevent anyone from accessing them without permission.
Honestly, I’d consider reporting her behavior. This sounds really unprofessional.
Your therapist is the one responsible for keeping your info private under HIPAA. If they share anything without consent, they’d be in violation.
Ren said:
Your therapist is the one responsible for keeping your info private under HIPAA. If they share anything without consent, they’d be in violation.
Got it. I’ll definitely make sure my therapist knows my info isn’t to be shared.
Even if it’s not illegal for your advisor to ask, it’s still wrong on an ethical level. I’d make sure someone higher up knows about this.
Ren said:
Even if it’s not illegal for your advisor to ask, it’s still wrong on an ethical level. I’d make sure someone higher up knows about this.
Thanks, I’m considering it. Just didn’t expect this from someone in her position!
Definitely let the university know if this continues. You shouldn’t have to worry about your privacy like this.
Laurel said:
Definitely let the university know if this continues. You shouldn’t have to worry about your privacy like this.
I agree, I’ll report it if she keeps pushing. Thanks for the support!